Diacylglycerol kinase eta (DGKH)

Diacylglycerol kinase eta (DGKH) is a member of the diacylglycerol kinase enzyme family that catalyzes the phosphorylation of diacylglycerol (DAG) to phosphatidic acid (PA), regulating two key intracellular second messengers and thus acting as a critical switch in lipid-mediated signal transduction[1][5]. DGKH is most highly expressed in the testis but is also widely expressed in the brain and other tissues[3][5]. It contributes to lipid homeostasis and cellular signaling networks, including the Ras/B-Raf/C-Raf/MEK/ERK pathway, and has been associated with cell growth and psychiatric conditions such as bipolar disorder through genetic variation[5][7]. Although not essential for spermatogenesis, it is important for maintaining testicular lipid composition and may compensate with other DGK isoforms if deficient[3]. No approved drugs currently target DGKH specifically, but the general mechanism would involve altering DGKH kinase activity and thus the levels of DAG and PA in cells.

Other names

Diacylglycerol kinase etaDGKHDAG kinase etaDGK-etaDGKetaDiglyceride kinase eta

Drugs that would target DGKH would generally be expected to inhibit or modulate its kinase activity, altering the balance between diacylglycerol and phosphatidic acid signaling in cells