Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) Activity Assay Kit (Fluorometric)

Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH; Oleamide Hydrolase, Anandamide Amidohydrolase) is a mammalian integral membrane enzyme, that is a key regulator in lipid signaling. FAAH degrades naturally occurring fatty acid amides such as cannabinoid anandamide and oleamide, a sleep-inducing substance. In general, fatty acid amides are endogenous lipid ligands which activate the cannabinoid (CB) G-protein coupled receptors CB1 and CB2. CB1 and CB2 modulate physiological and behavioral processes such as pain, and anti-inflammation. Therefore, FAAH is crucial in the termination of fatty acid amide bioactive functions. Recent studies have shown that blockage of FAAH activity led to increased fatty acid amides levels in nervous system and peripheral tissues. Thus, the study of FAAH and its potential inhibitors could develop novel treatment strategies for pain and central nerve system disorders due to the analgesic, anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory properties that are observed when elevated fatty acid amides are present in humans.

The kit is suitable for the measurement of FAAH activity of pure enzyme, in various tissues (liver and brain, etc.) and in cells (adherent or suspension cells).The kit is also suitable for the study of Fatty Acid Amide and Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase signaling systems in various cell types.

In this assay, FAAH hydrolyzes a non-fluorescent substrate releasing 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin (AMC), a fluorophore, which can be easily measured at λ_Ex = 360nm/λ_Em = 465nm. The kit provides a specific inhibitor that can be used to compensate for potential non-specific background in unknown samples. The stable fluorescence signal is positively correlated to FAAH enzymatic activity in samples.

Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH) Activity Assay Kit:

• Includes Positive Control (FAAH).
• Detects FAAH activity as low as 0.1 μU.