Diacetylglycerol
Synonym(s)
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Diacylglycerol, abbreviated as DAG, is a product that is formed during the enzymatic cleavage of the membrane lipid phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) by phospholipase C (PLC). Phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate is enzymatically cleaved into the cytosolic inositol trisphosphate (IP3) and into the membrane-bound diacylglycerol.
General informationThis section has been translated automatically.
Diacyglycerol recruits enzymes to the cell membrane and anchors them there. Among other things, diacyglycerol is involved in the activation of protein kinase C (PKC). Protein kinase C phosphorylates enzymes in the cytosol and thus influences gene expression. Studies have shown that hyperglycaemia activates protein kinase C (PKC) and also triggers elevated diacylglycerol (DAG) levels (Koya D et al. 1988). This promotes the production of extracellular matrix and cytokines, increases the contractility and permeability of blood vessels, increases cell growth in blood vessels, activates phospholipase A2 and inhibits Na+/K+-ATPase. As a result, the retina of the eye, kidney and heart are damaged.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Koya D et al (1988) Protein kinase C activation and the development of diabetic complications. Diabetes 47:859-866.