Dictyostelium discoideum Dgat2 can substitute for the essential function of Dgat1 in triglyceride production but not in ether lipid synthesis

Eukaryot Cell. 2014 Apr;13(4):517-26. doi: 10.1128/EC.00327-13. Epub 2014 Feb 21.

Abstract

Triacylglycerol (TAG), the common energy storage molecule, is formed from diacylglycerol and a coenzyme A-activated fatty acid by the action of an acyl coenzyme A:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT). In order to conduct this step, most organisms rely on more than one enzyme. The two main candidates in Dictyostelium discoideum are Dgat1 and Dgat2. We show, by creating single and double knockout mutants, that the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-localized Dgat1 enzyme provides the predominant activity, whereas the lipid droplet constituent Dgat2 contributes less activity. This situation may be opposite from what is seen in mammalian cells. Dictyostelium Dgat2 is specialized for the synthesis of TAG, as is the mammalian enzyme. In contrast, mammalian DGAT1 is more promiscuous regarding its substrates, producing diacylglycerol, retinyl esters, and waxes in addition to TAG. The Dictyostelium Dgat1, however, produces TAG, wax esters, and, most interestingly, also neutral ether lipids, which represent a significant constituent of lipid droplets. Ether lipids had also been found in mammalian lipid droplets, but the role of DGAT1 in their synthesis was unknown. The ability to form TAG through either Dgat1 or Dgat2 activity is essential for Dictyostelium to grow on bacteria, its natural food substrate.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Diacylglycerol O-Acyltransferase / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Diacylglycerol O-Acyltransferase / genetics*
  • Diacylglycerol O-Acyltransferase / metabolism
  • Dictyostelium / enzymology
  • Dictyostelium / genetics*
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / enzymology
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • Isoenzymes / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Isoenzymes / genetics
  • Isoenzymes / metabolism
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Protozoan Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Protozoan Proteins / genetics*
  • Protozoan Proteins / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger / antagonists & inhibitors
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics*
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • RNA, Small Interfering / genetics
  • RNA, Small Interfering / metabolism
  • Retinoids / biosynthesis
  • Signal Transduction
  • Triglycerides / biosynthesis*
  • Waxes / metabolism

Substances

  • Isoenzymes
  • Protozoan Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • Retinoids
  • Triglycerides
  • Waxes
  • Diacylglycerol O-Acyltransferase