This gene encodes a serine hydrolase of the AB hydrolase superfamily that catalyzes the conversion of monoacylglycerides to free fatty acids and glycerol. The encoded protein plays a critical role in several physiological processes including pain and nociperception through hydrolysis of the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol. Expression of this gene may play a role in cancer tumorigenesis and metastasis. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding multiple isoforms have been observed for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Feb 2012].