Abstract
Ceramide, which forms through the activation of sphingomyelinases (SMases), is as a bioactive lipid that mediates cell growth, differentiation, stress responses, and programmed cell death (apoptosis). Molecular and biochemical examinations to determine the role of these enzymes in ceramide-mediated cell signaling is possible with the recent availability of the cloned acid SMase (A-SMase) and neutral SMase (N-SMase). Here we review the recent experimental data and discuss its relevance for understanding the biochemical and molecular properties, regulation, mechanisms and roles of A-SMase and N-SMase.
Original language | English (US) |
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Title of host publication | Sphingolipid Biology |
Publisher | Springer Japan |
Pages | 167-181 |
Number of pages | 15 |
ISBN (Print) | 4431341986, 9784431341987 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 1 2006 |
Keywords
- FAN (factor associated with N-SMase activation)
- Niemann Pick disease (NPD)
- apoptosis
- ceramide
- sphingomyelinase
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology(all)