Monoacylglycerol Lipase (MAGL) Activity Assay Kit (Fluorometric)

Monoacylglycerol Lipase (MAGL, E.C. 3.1.1.23) is an important enzyme for regulation of endocannabinoid signaling in human physiology. MAGL is a serine hydrolase that generates free fatty acid and glycerol from monoacylglycerols such as 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG), one of the principal endocannabinoids active in the nervous system. One free fatty acid that is released by MAGL activity, arachidonic acid, is a precursor for eicosanoids, a family of pro-inflammatory signaling molecules. The leftover glycerol moiety can also serve various purposes as a metabolic building block and energy source. Inhibition or inactivation of MAGL leads to 2-AG buildup, and this has myriad biological consequences. Antinociceptive effects, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases as well as reduced addiction withdrawal symptoms are some of the outcomes of MAGL inhibition. In addition, the downstream eicosanoid signaling pathway is affected; this pathway plays a role in diverse physiological processes including inflammation, immunity, nociception and blood pressure. As a central node in the regulation of both lipid signaling and energy mobilization, MAGL is of considerable interest as a therapeutic target. BioVision’s Monoacylglycerol Lipase activity assay kit provides a quick, sensitive and easy way for measuring MAGL activity in various samples. In this assay, a fluorescent substrate is cleaved to generate arachidonic acid and fluorescent metabolite and the increased fluorescence is measured at Ex/Em 360/460 nm. To identify the signal generated specifically by MAGL, a specific inhibitor is included that allows the user to differentiate MAGL activity from other sources of fluorescence. The assay is simple to perform, high-throughput adaptable and can detect as low as 0.1 mU of MAGL activity