This interesting study of the endocannabinoid and fatty acid signaling systems and their effect on cognition, in the brain. FABP5 seems to modulate the levels of the free fatty acid in neurons thus modulating the activity of PPARgamma and CB1 receptors. The increased FABP5 activity results in increased transport of free arachidonic acid (released by the enzymatic hydrolysis of anadamide by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH)) into the nucleus where it activates PPARgamma receptors. This results in the modulation of the activation of a number of genes associated with cognition and learning.
Interestingly, this further confirms that these binding proteins are a critical part of the missing link between these two signaling systems. This further validates FABP5 as a potential drug target.
Besides, this finding could partly explain the phenomenon of temporary cognitive loss associated with cannabinoid use.
