Abhydrolase Domain Containing Protein 12B (ABHD12B)

ABHD12B belongs to the serine esterase family. The endocannabinoid lipid transmitter 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG) acts on cannabinoid receptors CB1 (CNR1) and CB2 (CNR2) and functions in synaptic plasticity and neuroinflammation. ABHD12 inactivates 2-AG by converting it into the metabolites arachidonate and glycerol.By searching for genes in a region of chromosome 20 associated with polyneuropathy, hearing loss, ataxia, retinitis pigmentosa, and cataract (PHARC), Fiskerstrand et al. (2010) identified ABHD12. Abdh12 was expressed at variable levels in all mouse tissues examined, with highest expression in microglia, followed by prostate and macrophages. High expression was also detected in all mouse brain regions examined.