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Diacylglycerol acyltransferases: Potential roles as pharmacological targets

Victor A Zammit1, Linda K Buckett, Andrew V Turnbull

  • 1Clinical Sciences Research Institute, Warwick Medical School, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK. v.a.zanmit@warwick.ac.uk

Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|May 30, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Inhibiting triglyceride synthesis is a complex strategy due to its varied roles. While potentially beneficial for obesity and liver conditions, its outcomes in other tissues like muscle require careful consideration.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Metabolic Science
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Triglyceride (TG) synthesis is vital in many cells, but adipocytes uniquely store it.
  • Obesity and related diseases drive interest in TG synthesis inhibitors.
  • Liver TG synthesis inhibition may prevent steatosis and dyslipidemia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the metabolic complexities of triglyceride synthesis.
  • To examine the specialized functions of diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGATs).
  • To assess the pharmacological challenges and outcomes of inhibiting TG synthesis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on TG synthesis and DGAT enzymes.
  • Analysis of TG synthesis, lipolysis, and fatty acid oxidation.
  • Consideration of TG presence in various cell types, including adipocytes and muscle.

Main Results:

  • DGAT enzymes have specialized functions, particularly in TG-secreting tissues.
  • TG in non-adipose cells can indicate or cause complications like insulin resistance.
  • Highly aerobic muscle exhibits high capacities for TG synthesis, lipolysis, and fatty acid oxidation.

Conclusions:

  • Inhibiting triglyceride synthesis is not a simple pharmacological strategy.
  • The outcomes of TG synthesis inhibition may vary significantly depending on the tissue.
  • Understanding DGATs' specialized roles is crucial for therapeutic development.

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