Abnormalities of the serotonergic system in diacylglycerol kinase δ-deficient mouse brain

We previously reported that brain-specific diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) δ-knockout (KO) mice showed obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)-like behaviors, which were alleviated by a serotonin (5-HT) transporter (SERT) inhibitor. However, the molecular mechanisms causing the OCD-like abnormal behaviors remain unclear. In the present study, we found that DGKδ deficiency increased SERT protein levels in the mouse cerebral cortex. Moreover, DGKδ interacted and co-localized with SERT. Furthermore, DGKδ-KO decreased tryptophan hydroxylase-2 expression and increased monoamine oxidase-A expression. Indeed, the amount of 5-HT in the cerebral cortex was significantly decreased in DGKδ-KO mice. These data strongly suggest that OCD-like behaviors in the DGKδ-KO mice are caused by comprehensive and composite serotonergic hypofunction. •DGKδ deficiency increased SERT protein levels in the mouse cerebral cortex.•DGKδ interacted and co-localized with SERT.•DGKδ deficiency decreased TPH-2 expression and increased MAO-A expression.•The amount of 5-HT was significantly decreased in DGKδ-deficient mice.•OCD-like behaviors in DGKδ-KO mice are caused by composite serotonergic hypofunction.