### DGKH Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol**: DGKH  
**Location**: Chromosome 17 (17q21.31)  
**Protein**: Diacylglycerol kinase (DGK)

**Function**: The DGKH gene encodes a member of the diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) family, which catalyzes the phosphorylation of diacylglycerol (DAG) to phosphatidic acid (PA). This reaction modulates the levels of these important signaling lipids, thereby influencing various cellular signaling pathways, particularly those related to growth and differentiation.

### 1. Associated Genes

While the summaries mentioned few interaction partners, DGKH may have functional relationships with other genes involved in lipid signaling and associated pathways, including:

- **Ras** family (e.g., HRAS, KRAS, NRAS) – involved in cell signaling and growth.
- **RAF1 and BRAF** – crucial components in the Ras signaling pathway as they mediate effects on ERK1/2 activation.
- **GNB1** (Guanine nucleotide-binding protein beta-1) – may be involved in cellular signaling cascades affected by DGKH activity.
- **PTEN** (Phosphatase and tensin homolog) – an important regulator of cell growth, potentially influenced by DGKH via lipid signaling.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases

Research indicates that disruptions in the lipid signaling pathways modulated by DGK may contribute to age-related processes. However, specific aging-related functions of DGKH remain under-studied. Nonetheless, since DGKH has been associated with bipolar disorder, and mood disorders can increase with age, there are potential connections to mental health in aging populations. 

Furthermore, alterations in diacylglycerol and phosphatidic acid levels have been implicated in a range of age-related diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases and various forms of cancer.

### 3. Drug Interactions

There are no specific drugs that target DGKH directly; however, drugs that may have a regulatory effect on lipid metabolism or signaling pathways involving DAG and PA may indirectly affect DGKH activity. Some drug classes that might be relevant include:

- **Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)** - can influence cellular signaling pathways and lipid metabolism.
- **Mood stabilizers** (e.g., lithium) - as DGKH has been linked to bipolar disorder, mood stabilizers may also affect its pathways.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes

DGKH is involved in various biological processes and signaling pathways:

- **Regulation of cell growth** - by influencing lipid signaling pathways critical for cellular proliferation.
- **EGF signaling pathway** - essential for mediating responses to epidermal growth factor (EGF), related to growth factor-stimulated signal cascades.
- **Ras signaling pathway** - involvement in the activation and recruitment of Raf kinases to membranes.
- **Phosphatidic acid signaling pathway** - as a second messenger in numerous cellular functions including cell survival, proliferation, and metabolism.
- **Lipid metabolic process** - due to its role in the metabolism of DAG and PA.

In summary, the DGKH gene plays a pivotal role in lipid signaling, with implications in cell growth and potential associations with psychiatric conditions and age-related diseases. More research is required to fully elucidate its roles in these contexts.