Diacylglycerol kinase beta (DGKB)

Diacylglycerol kinase beta is a cytosolic lipid kinase primarily expressed in the brain, where it plays a critical role in neuronal development, synaptic plasticity, and signal transduction by regulating the cellular levels of diacylglycerol (DAG) and phosphatidic acid (PA). By converting DAG to PA, DGKB modulates pathways activated by these second messengers, impacting neuronal morphology (such as neurite branching and spine formation), memory acquisition, and behavior. Aberrant DGKB function is linked to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders and may represent a therapeutic target for such conditions. It is a member of the Type I family of diacylglycerol kinases, characterized by RVH and EF-hand calcium-binding domains in addition to a conserved kinase domain. No approved drugs selectively target DGKB, though preclinical research agents exist. Safety concerns center around CNS effects due to its role in neurotransmission and cell signaling.

Other names

DGKBDAGK2KIAA0718DAG kinase betaDGK-betaDGK90 kDa diacylglycerol kinaseDiglyceride kinase betadiacylglycerol kinase, beta 90 kDa

Inhibition or modulation of DGKB blocks the phosphorylation of DAG to PA, thereby altering downstream signaling through DAG-responsive effectors such as protein kinase C and affecting pathways regulated by PA such as mTOR signaling. Pharmacological inhibition changes the balance of lipid second messengers, impacting signal transduction.