Endocannabinoid Transporter (None established)

The endocannabinoid transporter (often referred to as the endocannabinoid membrane transporter, EMT, or anandamide membrane transporter, AMT) is a putative molecular system responsible for the cellular uptake and transport of endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), such as anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). These lipid-based neurotransmitters are key components of the endocannabinoid system, which regulates numerous physiological processes including pain sensation, mood, appetite, memory, and immune response. The precise molecular identity of a dedicated transmembrane endocannabinoid transporter remains unconfirmed. While there is strong experimental evidence supporting protein-mediated transport of AEA and 2-AG across cell membranes, no specific gene or protein has been definitively identified as the canonical EMT/AMT. Several intracellular carrier proteins have been implicated in facilitating cytosolic transport after membrane passage, namely Fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs) and Heat shock proteins such as Hsp70s. The main function attributed to EMT/AMT is mediating the reuptake of extracellular AEA and 2-AG into cells. This process terminates their signaling at cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 by allowing access to intracellular degradation enzymes like fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) for AEA or monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) for 2-AG.

Other names

Endocannabinoid membrane transporterEMTAnandamide membrane transporterAMT

Inhibition of endocannabinoid reuptake/transport, leading to increased extracellular endocannabinoid levels.