When do Lasses (longevity assurance genes) become CerS (ceramide synthases)?: Insights into the regulation of ceramide synthesis.

摘要: Ceramide is thekey intermediate in thepathwayof sphingolipid (SL)2 biosynthesis (1) and an important intracellular signaling molecule (2, 3). consists of a sphingoid long chain base to which fatty acid attached via amide bond (Fig. 1). When the chemical composition SLswas first determined 1940s (4), stearic (C18:0) was identified as major base. Later, with development more sensitive techniques (5, 6), it became clear that mammalian SLs contain wide variety acids, ranging length from C14 C32, are predominantly saturated can !or "-hydroxyl groups (7, 8). Within past few years, there has been renewed interest functional significance this variability, thisminireviewwill focus on current advances our understanding how ceramide regulated. In particular, we will discuss recently discovered family synthase (CerS) genes emerging evidence specific ceramides containing distinct acids play roles cell growth apoptosis.