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Current Enzyme Inhibition

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1573-4080
ISSN (Online): 1875-6662

Diacylglycerol Kinase Inhibition and Vascular Function

Author(s): Hyehun Choi, Kyan J. Allahdadi, Rita C.A. Tostes and R. Clinton Webb

Volume 5, Issue 3, 2009

Page: [148 - 152] Pages: 5

DOI: 10.2174/157340809789071137

Price: $65

Abstract

Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs), a family of lipid kinases, convert diacylglycerol (DG) to phosphatidic acid (PA). Acting as a second messenger, DG activates protein kinase C (PKC). PA, a signaling lipid, regulates diverse functions involved in physiological responses. Since DGK modulates two lipid second messengers, DG and PA, regulation of DGK could induce related cellular responses. Currently, there are 10 mammalian isoforms of DGK that are categorized into five groups based on their structural features. These diverse isoforms of DGK are considered to activate distinct cellular functions according to extracellular stimuli. Each DGK isoform is thought to play various roles inside the cell, depending on its subcellular localization (nuclear, ER, Golgi complex or cytoplasm). In vascular smooth muscle, vasoconstrictors such as angiotensin II, endothelin-1 and norepinephrine stimulate contraction by increasing inositol trisphosphate (IP3), calcium, DG and PKC activity. Inhibition of DGK could increase DG availability and decrease PA levels, as well as alter intracellular responses, including calcium-mediated and PKC-mediated vascular contraction. The purpose of this review is to demonstrate a role of DGK in vascular function. Selective inhibition of DGK isoforms may represent a novel therapeutic approach in vascular dysfunction.

Keywords: Diacylglycerol kinase, diacylglycerol, phosphatidic acid, protein kinase C, vasoconstrictor, vascular function


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