Diacylglycerol (DAG)

Definition

Diacylglycerol (DAG) is a lipid composed of two fatty acid chains covalently bonded to a glycerol molecule. It acts as a secondary messenger in various signaling pathways, particularly in the endocrine system where it influences hormone action and cellular responses.

Related terms

Phospholipase C: An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate into diacylglycerol and inositol trisphosphate, acting as a key player in cell signaling.

Protein kinase C (PKC): An enzyme activated by DAG that phosphorylates various target proteins, leading to changes in their activity and altering cell functions such as gene expression, metabolism, and membrane transport.

Secondary messenger: A molecule that transmits signals from receptors on the cell surface to target molecules inside the cell, playing a crucial role in amplifying and spreading cellular signals