In biochemical signaling, diacylglycerol (DAG) functions as a second messenger signaling lipid, and is a product of the hydrolysis of the phospholipid PIP2 (phosphatidylinositolbisphosphate) by the enzyme phospholipase C (PLC) (a membrane-bound enzyme) that, through the same reaction, produces inositol trisphosphate (IP3). Although inositol trisphosphate (IP3) diffuses into the cytosol, DAG remains within the plasma membrane due to its hydrophobic properties. IP3 stimulates the release of calcium ions from the smooth endoplasmic reticulum, whereas DAG is a physiological activator of protein kinase C (PKC). The production of DAG in the membrane facilitates translocation of PKC from the cytosol to the plasma membrane.
Diacylglycerol mimicks the effects of the tumor-promoting compounds phorbol esters.
1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycerol (14:0 DG) with small polar headgroup and two fatty acid, is an E coli membrane lipid.
Application
14:0 DG may be used:
in the reconstitution of dry lipids for thin layer chromatography
in lipid nanoparticles for RNA delivery studies
as a standard in gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis for the quantification of lipid A diacylglycerols
G2431217