Diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase enzyme system (DGAT enzyme system)

The term "Triglyceride synthesis enzyme system" refers collectively to the group of enzymes responsible for catalyzing the biosynthesis of triglycerides (also called triacylglycerols), which are neutral lipids composed of a glycerol backbone esterified with three fatty acids. The most critical enzymes in this pathway are diacylglycerol O-acyltransferases—specifically DGAT1 and DGAT2—which catalyze the final step by adding a fatty acyl-CoA to diacylglycerol to form triglycerides. These reactions occur primarily in the endoplasmic reticulum of cells, especially in tissues central to lipid metabolism such as adipose tissue and liver[1][2][4].\n\nIn addition to these canonical pathways, alternative routes involving other proteins like TMEM68 have been described[4]. The proper function of this enzymatic system is essential for energy storage, lipid droplet formation, and metabolic homeostasis. Dysregulation or overactivity can contribute to obesity, insulin resistance/type 2 diabetes mellitus, hepatic steatosis/non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular risk factors due to excessive fat accumulation.\n\nPharmacological inhibition—particularly targeting DGAT1—is being explored as a therapeutic strategy for obesity-related diseases; however, complete loss-of-function can result in adverse developmental effects based on animal studies[1].\n\nNo widely approved drugs specifically target the entire "triglyceride synthesis enzyme system," but research compounds and natural products like xanthohumols inhibit DGAT activity. There is something incorrect or imprecise about using "Triglyceride synthesis enzyme system" as a molecular target name—it is not a single protein or gene but rather refers collectively to several related enzymes (primarily DGAT1/DGAT2). For structured data purposes it should be mapped more specifically; e.g., “Diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 1” or “Diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2” depending on context[4][5].

Other names

Triglyceride synthesis enzymesTriacylglycerol synthesis enzymesDGAT1 and DGAT2Acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase system

Inhibition of diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase activity to reduce triglyceride synthesis[1]