Function and therapeutic potential of N-acyl amino acids

[Display omitted] •NAAs are the largest family of anandamide congener lipids discovered to date.•NAAs play a key role in a variety of physiological functions as lipid signaling molecule.•NAAs exhibit a variety of biological functions with some similarity in between them.•Analogs of NAAs could be used as potential drugs candidates. N-acyl amino acids (NAAs) are amphiphilic molecules, with different potential fatty acid and head group moieties. NAAs are the largest family of anandamide congener lipids discovered to date. In recent years, several NAAs have been identified as potential ligands, engaging novel binding sites and mechanisms for modulation of membrane proteins such as G-protein coupled receptors (GPRs), nuclear receptors, ion channels, and transporters. NAAs play a key role in a variety of physiological functions as lipid signaling molecules. Understanding the structure, function roles, and pharmacological potential of these NAAs is still in its infancy, and the biochemical roles are also mostly unknown. This review will provide a summary of the literature on NAAs and emphasize their therapeutic potential.