Modulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway by diacylglycerol kinase-produced phosphatidic acid

The protein known as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) regulates cell growth by integrating different stimuli, such as available nutrients and mitogenic factors. The lipid messenger phosphatidic acid (PA) binds and positively regulates the mitogenic response of mTOR. PA generator enzymes are consequently potential regulators of mTOR. Here we explored the contribution to this pathway of the enzyme diacylglycerol kinase (DGK), which produces PA through phosphorylation of diacylglycerol. We found that overexpression of the DGK zeta, but not of the alpha isoform, in serum-deprived HEK293 cells induced mTOR-dependent phosphorylation of p70S6 kinase (p70S6K). After serum addition, p70S6K phosphorylation was higher and more resistant to rapamycin treatment in cells overexpressing DGK zeta. The effect of this DGK isoform on p70S6K hyperphosphorylation required the mTOR PA binding region. Down-regulation of endogenous DGK zeta by small interfering RNA in HEK293 cells diminished serum-induced p70S6K phosphorylation, highlighting the role of this isoform in the mTOR pathway. Our results confirm a role for PA in mTOR regulation and describe a novel pathway in which DGK zeta-derived PA acts as a mediator of mTOR signaling.