ABSTRACT
Focal adhesion kinase is a non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase with molecular weight 125 ku and regarded as the foundmental molecule of integrin-dependent signal transduction pathway. Active focal adhesion kinase regulates cell adhesion, migration, proliferation and differentiation by interacting with Src family kinase, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase, cytoskeletal proteins, Graf and adoptor proteins through the phosphorylated tyrosines and the proline-rich sequences.
ABSTRACT
Anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamide), an arachidonic acid derivative, is an endogenous ligand for cannabinoid receptors, which are m embers of the G protein (Gi)-coupled receptors family. Ananamide is mainly foun d in central nervous system, immune system and uterus etc and mimics most of the effects of (-)Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinoid [(-)Δ9-THC], a psyco active derivative of marijuana. Fatty-acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which is inv olved in hydrolyzing anandamide to arachidonic acid and ethanolamide, may quickl y regulate level of anandamide in vivo.