About the structure and biological function of NAE
Structure. Endocannabinoids (NAE) belong to the group of fatty amides within the fatty acyls. Their structure is based on a fatty acid which is often eicosanoic acid, a twenty carbon atoms long hydrocarbon chain with a carboxyl group. The carboxyl group of endocannabinoids is linked to an ethanolamine molecule. The hydrocarbon chain of NAEs may further encompass multiple double bonds and oxygen containing substituents such as hydroxy and epoxy groups.
Function. Endocannabinoids all produce similar biological results through activating the G-protein-linked receptors CB1 and CB2. They act as signaling molecules and their biological function mainly relates to modifying metabolic and physiological processes. The specific effect of an endocannabinoid is subject to the interaction of CB1 and CB2 with further G proteins which in turn is dependent on factors, such as cell type and subcellular location. Thus, NAEs impact a wide variety of cellular processes.
