Roles of DGKs in neurons: Postsynaptic functions?

• Published in: Advances in biological regulation 2020-01, Vol.75, p.100688-100688, Article 100688
• Main Authors: Barber, Casey N., Raben, Daniel M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: AMPARs; Animals; Brain; Diacylglycerol kinase; Diacylglycerol Kinase - genetics; Diacylglycerol Kinase - metabolism; Diglycerides; Endocytosis; Humans; Intracellular signalling; Isoenzymes - genetics; Isoenzymes - metabolism; Isoforms; Kinases; Mammals; Membrane proteins; Mice; Neurons; Neurons - enzymology; Neurotransmission; Phosphatidic acid; Phosphatidic Acids - genetics; Phosphatidic Acids - metabolism; Receptors, AMPA - genetics; Receptors, AMPA - metabolism; Redundancy; Synapse; Synaptic Membranes - enzymology; Synaptic Membranes - genetics; Synaptic plasticity; Synaptic Vesicles - enzymology; Synaptic Vesicles - genetics; α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid; α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptors
• ISSN: 2212-4926; 2212-4934
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2019.100688

Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) contribute to an important part of intracellular signaling because, in addition to reducing diacylglycerol levels, they generate phosphatidic acid (PtdOH) Recent research has led to the discovery of ten mammalian DGK isoforms, all of which are found in the mammalian brain. Many of these isoforms have studied functions within the brain, while others lack such understanding in regards to neuronal roles, regulation, and structural dynamics. However, while previously a neuronal function for DGKθ was unknown, it was recently found that DGKθ is required for the regulation of synaptic vesicle endocytosis and work is currently being conducted to elucidate the mechanism behind this regulation. Here we will review some of the roles of all mammalian DGKs and hypothesize additional roles. We will address the topic of redundancy among the ten DGK isoforms and discuss the possibility that DGKθ, among other DGKs, may have unstudied postsynaptic functions. We also hypothesize that in addition to DGKθ′s presynaptic endocytic role, DGKθ might also regulate the endocytosis of AMPA receptors and other postsynaptic membrane proteins.