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Nature Medicine Apr 2010Understanding the molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance remains a major medical challenge of the twenty-first century. Over the last half-century, many hypotheses...
Understanding the molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance remains a major medical challenge of the twenty-first century. Over the last half-century, many hypotheses have been proposed to explain insulin resistance, and, most recently, inflammation associated with alterations in adipocytokines has become the prevailing hypothesis. Here we discuss diacylglycerol-mediated insulin resistance as an alternative and unifying hypothesis to explain the most common forms of insulin resistance associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, as well as lipodystrophy and aging.
Topics: Animals; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diglycerides; Inflammation; Insulin Resistance; Lipids; Liver; Muscle, Skeletal; Obesity
PubMed: 20376053
DOI: 10.1038/nm0410-400 -
Science Advances Nov 2023Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) attenuate diacylglycerol (DAG) signaling by converting DAG to phosphatidic acid, thereby suppressing pathways downstream of T cell receptor...
Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) attenuate diacylglycerol (DAG) signaling by converting DAG to phosphatidic acid, thereby suppressing pathways downstream of T cell receptor signaling. Using a dual DGKα/ζ inhibitor (DGKi), tumor-specific CD8 T cells with different affinities (TRP1 and TRP1), and altered peptide ligands, we demonstrate that inhibition of DGKα/ζ can lower the signaling threshold for T cell priming. TRP1 and TRP1 CD8 T cells produced more effector cytokines in the presence of cognate antigen and DGKi. Effector TRP1- and TRP1-mediated cytolysis of tumor cells with low antigen load required antigen recognition, was mediated by interferon-γ, and augmented by DGKi. Adoptive T cell transfer into mice bearing pancreatic or melanoma tumors synergized with single-agent DGKi or DGKi and antiprogrammed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), with increased expansion of low-affinity T cells and increased cytokine production observed in tumors of treated mice. Collectively, our findings highlight DGKα/ζ as therapeutic targets for augmenting tumor-specific CD8 T cell function.
Topics: Mice; Animals; Diglycerides; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Signal Transduction; Neoplasms; Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell
PubMed: 38000024
DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk1853 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jun 2020Recognition of antigens displayed on the surface of an antigen-presenting cell (APC) by T-cell receptors (TCR) of a T lymphocyte leads to the formation of a specialized... (Review)
Review
Recognition of antigens displayed on the surface of an antigen-presenting cell (APC) by T-cell receptors (TCR) of a T lymphocyte leads to the formation of a specialized contact between both cells named the immune synapse (IS). This highly organized structure ensures cell-cell communication and sustained T-cell activation. An essential lipid regulating T-cell activation is diacylglycerol (DAG), which accumulates at the cell-cell interface and mediates recruitment and activation of proteins involved in signaling and polarization. Formation of the IS requires rearrangement of the cytoskeleton, translocation of the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC) and vesicular compartments, and reorganization of signaling and adhesion molecules within the cell-cell junction. Among the multiple players involved in this polarized intracellular trafficking, we find sorting nexin 27 (SNX27). This protein translocates to the T cell-APC interface upon TCR activation, and it is suggested to facilitate the transport of cargoes toward this structure. Furthermore, its interaction with diacylglycerol kinase ζ (DGKζ), a negative regulator of DAG, sustains the precise modulation of this lipid and, thus, facilitates IS organization and signaling. Here, we review the role of SNX27, DAG metabolism, and their interplay in the control of T-cell activation and establishment of the IS.
Topics: Antigen-Presenting Cells; Cell Communication; Diacylglycerol Kinase; Diglycerides; Humans; Lymphocyte Activation; Sorting Nexins; T-Lymphocytes
PubMed: 32549284
DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124254 -
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences :... Oct 2015The neutral lipids diacylglycerols (DAGs) are involved in a plethora of metabolic pathways. They function as components of cellular membranes, as building blocks for... (Review)
Review
The neutral lipids diacylglycerols (DAGs) are involved in a plethora of metabolic pathways. They function as components of cellular membranes, as building blocks for glycero(phospho)lipids, and as lipid second messengers. Considering their central role in multiple metabolic processes and signaling pathways, cellular DAG levels require a tight regulation to ensure a constant and controlled availability. Interestingly, DAG species are versatile in their chemical structure. Besides the different fatty acid species esterified to the glycerol backbone, DAGs can occur in three different stereo/regioisoforms, each with unique biological properties. Recent scientific advances have revealed that DAG metabolizing enzymes generate and distinguish different DAG isoforms, and that only one DAG isoform holds signaling properties. Herein, we review the current knowledge of DAG stereochemistry and their impact on cellular metabolism and signaling. Further, we describe intracellular DAG turnover and its stereochemistry in a 3-pool model to illustrate the spatial and stereochemical separation and hereby the diversity of cellular DAG metabolism.
Topics: Animals; Cell Membrane; Diglycerides; Insulin; Metabolic Networks and Pathways; Mice; Models, Biological; Signal Transduction; Stereoisomerism; Type C Phospholipases
PubMed: 26153463
DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1982-3 -
Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical... 2007Obesity resides upstream of the constituents of metabolic syndromes such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and arteriosclerosis. Postprandial hyperlipidemia is... (Review)
Review
Obesity resides upstream of the constituents of metabolic syndromes such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and arteriosclerosis. Postprandial hyperlipidemia is also implicated in atherogenesis. Therefore, factors that influence the body adiposity and the magnitude of postprandial hyperlipidemia have been intensively investigated. Diacylglycerol (DAG) oil, which is defined to contain DAG 80% (w/w) or greater in the present presentation, is an edible oil with similar taste and usability compared with conventional edible oil rich in TAG. Safety of DAG has been widely evaluated and listed as a GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) substance by US FDA. The aim of this review was to summarize the metabolism and nutritional functions of DAG based on the data from scientific journals and conference publications. Effect of DAG ingestion on postprandial elevations of serum lipids was investigated in several dosages, food formula, and in subjects in various conditions. Postprandial triglyceride in serum and the chylomicron fraction are significantly smaller after DAG consumption compared with TAG with a similar fatty acid composition in healthy subjects, and was remarkably reduced in subjects with insulin resistance. Long-term DAG ingestion in controlled diet or free-living condition significantly decreased body adiposity and improved type II diabetic complications. A single dose DAG consumption significantly increased fat oxidation as compared to eucaloric TAG ingestion. DAG oil consumption might be beneficial in reducing the risk factors for lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, visceral obesity, postprandial hyperlipidemia, insulin resistance, and atherosclerosis.
Topics: Arteriosclerosis; Diglycerides; Female; Humans; Hyperlipidemias; Male; Obesity; Postprandial Period
PubMed: 17392138
DOI: No ID Found -
Obesity Research Nov 2005Obesity is at the forefront of global health issues and directly contributes to many chronic illnesses. Several dietary components show promise in the treatment of... (Review)
Review
Obesity is at the forefront of global health issues and directly contributes to many chronic illnesses. Several dietary components show promise in the treatment of obesity, one of which is oil rich in diacylglycerols (DAGs). Present objectives are to examine scientific knowledge concerning DAG to assess evidence supporting the effects on substrate oxidation rates, body weight and fat mass, and blood lipids, and to assess safety, as well as elucidate potential mechanisms of action. DAG can be synthesized by an enzymatic process to produce mainly 1,3-isoform DAG. This 1,3-DAG oil is believed to have the ability to increase beta-oxidation, to enhance body weight loss, to suppress body fat accumulation, and to lower serum triacylglycerol levels postprandially. While certain animal and human studies indicate that consumption of 1,3-DAG has positive physiological effects, others report no effect. The mechanisms of action of DAG are suggested to decrease the resynthesis of chylomicrons as well as shunting them directly to the liver through the portal vein, where they are oxidized. This increased fat oxidation may influence control of food intake by increasing satiety. Further study into the precise mechanism is required to understand its effects. Safety studies show no risks in consuming a diet rich in DAG oil. Overall, consumption of oils with higher amounts of DAG, specifically 1,3-DAG, may be useful in the battle against obesity.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Obesity Agents; Body Composition; Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; Diglycerides; Female; Humans; Lipids; Male; Obesity; Oxidation-Reduction; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 16339116
DOI: 10.1038/oby.2005.229 -
Biochemistry Apr 2021Munc13-1 is a presynaptic active zone protein that acts as a master regulator of synaptic vesicle priming and neurotransmitter release in the brain. It has been...
Munc13-1 is a presynaptic active zone protein that acts as a master regulator of synaptic vesicle priming and neurotransmitter release in the brain. It has been implicated in the pathophysiology of several neurodegenerative diseases. Diacylglycerol and phorbol ester activate Munc13-1 by binding to its C1 domain. The objective of this study is to identify the structural determinants of ligand binding activity of the Munc13-1 C1 domain. Molecular docking suggested that residues Trp-588, Ile-590, and Arg-592 of Munc13-1 are involved in ligand interactions. To elucidate the role of these three residues in ligand binding, we generated W588A, I590A, and R592A mutants in full-length Munc13-1, expressed them as GFP-tagged proteins in HT22 cells, and measured their ligand-induced membrane translocation by confocal microscopy and immunoblotting. The extent of 1,2-dioctanoyl--glycerol (DOG)- and phorbol ester-induced membrane translocation decreased in the following order: wild type > I590A > W588A > R592A and wild type > W588A > I590A > R592A, respectively. To understand the effect of the mutations on ligand binding, we also measured the DOG binding affinity of the isolated wild-type C1 domain and its mutants in membrane-mimicking micelles using nuclear magnetic resonance methods. The DOG binding affinity decreased in the following order: wild type > I590A > R592A. No binding was detected for W588A with DOG in micelles. This study shows that Trp-588, Ile-590, and Arg-592 are essential determinants for the activity of Munc13-1 and the effects of the three residues on the activity are ligand-dependent. This study bears significance for the development of selective modulators of Munc13-1.
Topics: Binding Sites; Cell Line; Diglycerides; Humans; Models, Molecular; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Protein Binding; Protein Conformation
PubMed: 33818064
DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.1c00165 -
BioMed Research International 2015Numerous studies conducted on obese humans and various rodent models of obesity have identified a correlation between hepatic lipid content and the development of... (Review)
Review
Numerous studies conducted on obese humans and various rodent models of obesity have identified a correlation between hepatic lipid content and the development of insulin resistance in liver and other tissues. Despite a large body of the literature on this topic, the cause and effect relationship between hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance remains controversial. If, as many believe, lipid aggregation in liver drives insulin resistance and other metabolic abnormalities, there are significant unanswered questions as to which lipid mediators are causative in this cascade. Several published papers have now correlated levels of diacylglycerol (DAG), the penultimate intermediate in triglyceride synthesis, with development of insulin resistance and have postulated that this occurs via activation of protein kinase C signaling. Although many studies have confirmed this relationship, many others have reported a disconnect between DAG content and insulin resistance. It has been postulated that differences in methods for DAG measurement, DAG compartmentalization within the cell, or fatty acid composition of the DAG may explain these discrepancies. The purpose of this review is to compare and contrast some of the relevant findings in this area and to discuss a number of unanswered questions regarding the relationship between DAG and insulin resistance.
Topics: Animals; Diglycerides; Fatty Liver; Humans; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Liver; Models, Biological; Signal Transduction; Up-Regulation
PubMed: 26273583
DOI: 10.1155/2015/104132 -
IUBMB Life Jun 2019Protein kinase C (PKC) is activated by 1,2-diacylglycerol as a second messenger in the signaling mechanism coupled with the hydrolysis of membrane inositol... (Review)
Review
Protein kinase C (PKC) is activated by 1,2-diacylglycerol as a second messenger in the signaling mechanism coupled with the hydrolysis of membrane inositol phospholipids, although it was not found by screening for a 1,2-diacylglycerol-dependent enzyme. PKC is also a receptor for the tumor-promoting phorbol esters, but it was not identified by its property of binding phorbol esters, either. Instead, the discovery and characterization of PKC, now known to comprise a family with multiple isoforms, was through a circuitous voyage filled with unexpected twists and turns. This review summarizes the discovery and the initial experiments of PKC as a historical perspective of the enzyme family in the context of the progress in the studies on protein phosphorylation. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(6):697-705, 2019.
Topics: Diglycerides; Humans; Hydrolysis; Phorbol Esters; Phosphatidylinositols; Phosphorylation; Protein Binding; Protein Kinase C; Proteins
PubMed: 30393952
DOI: 10.1002/iub.1963 -
Obesity Reviews : An Official Journal... Dec 2012Obesity is associated with skeletal muscle insulin resistance, which is a crucial step in the development of type 2 diabetes. Among the mechanisms by which obesity may... (Review)
Review
Obesity is associated with skeletal muscle insulin resistance, which is a crucial step in the development of type 2 diabetes. Among the mechanisms by which obesity may lead to insulin resistance, lipotoxicity is one of the hypotheses being explored; others include inflammation or the oxidative stress hypotheses. This review focuses on the role of diacylglycerols (DAG), a family of lipid metabolites implicated in the pathogenesis of lipotoxicity and insulin resistance. While recent studies report contradictory results in humans with regard to the importance of DAG-induced insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, other current literature highlight a potential role for DAG as signalling molecules. This review will discuss possible hypotheses explaining these contradictory results and the need to explore further the role of DAG in human metabolism.
Topics: Animals; Diglycerides; Humans; Insulin; Insulin Resistance; Lipid Metabolism; Muscle, Skeletal; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 23107258
DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2012.01036.x