Fatty Acid Binding Proteins Modulate Endocannabinoid Levels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack effective ways to modulate endocannabinoid levels in subjects, particularly in the central nervous system, which are crucial for treating neurological disorders associated with movement, memory, mood, and pain regulation.
Innovation Solution
Administering agents that modulate the interaction of endocannabinoids with intracellular fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs), such as FABP3, FABP5, and FABP7, to either increase or decrease endocannabinoid levels by inhibiting their binding or altering their expression, thereby affecting endocannabinoid-mediated signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current methods are used to modulate endocannabinoid levels, then existing therapeutic approaches can be maintained, but effective modulation of endocannabinoid levels in the central nervous system cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) as intermediary molecules that mediate the transport and regulation of endocannabinoids within the central nervous system. By targeting FABPs with specific agents, the invention enables effective modulation of endocannabinoid levels and activity, thereby achieving reliable therapeutic effects for neurological disorders that were not possible with existing methods
2Manufacturing precision
If agents that modulate endocannabinoid-FABP interaction are administered, then precise modulation of endocannabinoid levels is achieved, but the complexity of the therapeutic approach increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by administering agents that alter the binding affinity between endocannabinoids and FABPs, or by modulating FABP expression levels. These parameter changes enable precise control over endocannabinoid availability and signaling activity, achieving accurate modulation while using relatively simple pharmacological interventions rather than complex delivery systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for precise modulation of endocannabinoid levels, enhancing or reducing their activity in the central nervous system, providing potential therapeutic benefits for neurological disorders like drug addiction, depression, and pain management.
Implementation Method 1
Fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) are a family of intracellular proteins that bind to long chain fatty acids and facilitate their transport to sites of metabolism
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a method of modulating the level of an endocannabinoid in a subject in need thereof comprising administering an effective amount of an agent that inhibits the interaction of the endocannabinoid with an intracellular fatty acid binding protein (FABP). The invention also provides a method of identifying an agent for modulating the level of an endocannabinoid in a subject comprising testing the agent for its ability to modulate binding of the endocannabinoid with an intracellular FABP. The invention also provides a method of identifying an agent for modulating the level of an endocannabinoid in a subject comprising testing the agent for its ability to modulate expression of an intracellular FABP. The invention also provides a method of identifying an agent for treatment of a neurological disorder comprising testing the agent for its ability to modulate the interaction of an endocannabinoid with an intracellular FABP. The invention also relates to modulation of levels of fatty acid amides for treatment or amelioration of diseases or disorders by modulating binding of the fatty acid amides to fatty acid binding proteins. In one embodiment, the fatty acid binding protein is one or more of FABP3, FABP5, and FABP7. In one embodiment, the level of an endocannabinoid is modulated.