
Endocannabinoid system as a drug target - Savinainen
Research group
Research Goals
By combining the expertise represented by our collaborators in the fields of synthetic chemistry and metabolomics, we aim at deeper molecular level understanding on the key players orchestrating lipid signaling in health and disease. Our current efforts focus specifically on the mechanisms of migraine and other pain conditions.
Scientific and Societal Impact of Research
Metabolic enzymes such as lipases and peptidases have a pivotal role in regulating the function of cells in the body. The main focus of our study is to characterize the role of endocannabinoid-degrading enzymes in the development of migraine. By increasing the number of endocannabinoids in tissues and simultaneously, reducing the formation of the degradation products, we can enhance the therapeutic effect of endocannabinoids and prevent the formation of arachidonic acid derivatives (prostaglandins), which particularly increase inflammatory responses. We are also working to develop new selective inhibitors that target these important enzymes and thus, create new alternative therapies for migraine-related headache, one of the most common pain-type worldwide.
Funding
Migraine Research Foundation, https://migraineresearchfoundation.org/
Group members - UEF
Other group members
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Adriana Della Pietra adriana.della.pietra@uef.fi
Cooperation partners
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AIVI, UEF
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University of Pavia, Italy
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UEF
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UEF
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UEF
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UEF
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UEF
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University of Queensland, Australia
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University of Helsinki
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UEF
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UEF
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UEF