Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH)

Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) is an integral membrane enzyme and a member of the serine hydrolase family. It plays a central role in the degradation of fatty acid amides, which are endogenous signaling lipids involved in various physiological processes. FAAH is particularly important for terminating the signaling actions of bioactive lipids such as anandamide (an endocannabinoid), oleamide (a sleep-inducing lipid), and other N-acylethanolamines. Because inhibition or genetic deletion increases endogenous cannabinoid tone without directly activating cannabinoid receptors, targeting FAAH is considered promising for developing analgesics or anxiolytics with potentially fewer side effects than direct receptor agonists.

Other names

Oleamide hydrolaseAnandamide amidohydrolase

Hydrolyzes fatty acid amides into their corresponding fatty acids and amines, thereby regulating their levels and biological activity. Inhibition of FAAH increases levels of bioactive fatty acid amides.