Discovery Diacylglycerol kinase alpha: A promising target for Glioblastoma

Diacylglycerol kinase alpha is an enzyme in humans is encoded by the DGKA gene. The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the eukaryotic diacylglycerol kinase family. It acts as a modulator that competes with protein kinase C for the second messenger diacylglycerol in intracellular signaling pathways. It also plays an important role in the resynthesis of phosphatidylinositols and phosphorylating diacylglycerol to phosphatidic acid. Alternative splicing occurs at this locus and four transcript variants encoding the same protein have been identified. Glioblastomas are tumors that arise from astrocytes—the star-shaped cells that make up the “glue-like, ” or supportive tissue of the brain. These tumors are usually highly malignant (cancerous) because the cells reproduce quickly and they are supported by a large network of blood vessels. It is generally found in the cerebral hemispheres of the brain, but can be found anywhere in the brain or spinal cord. The most common symptoms are usually caused by increased pressure in the brain. These symptoms can include headache, nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness. Depending on the location of the tumor, patients can develop a variety of other symptoms such as weakness on one side of the body, memory and/or speech difficulties, and visual changes. Glioblastoma can be difficult to treat because the tumors contain so many different types of cells. Some cells may respond well to certain therapies, while others may not be affected at all. This is why the treatment plan for glioblastoma may combine several approaches. Researchers continue to study the common characteristics of long-term brain tumor survivors, and how personalized and targeted treatments may be optimally used to treat brain tumor patients. Diacylglycerol kinase α (DGKα) has been linked to several signaling pathways related to cancer cell biology; it has been neglected as a target fo