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Sphingolipid Metabolism

Modification of the basic amino alcohol backbones gives rise to a large family of sphingolipids that play important roles in membrane biology and provide many bioactive metabolites that regulate cell function. This large family of sphingolipids varies in structure and function, but their creation and destruction are governed by common synthetic and catabolic pathways. They arise from a single entry point and converge to a final breakdown pathway. Metabolites of sphingolipids are responsible for various signaling and regulatory roles within cells. These metabolites are also linked to many diseases. Inhibitors of sphingolipid metabolism enzymes have been widely studied and investigated as possible drugs.

Canals, D., Perry, D. M., Jenkins, R. W., & Hannun, Y. A. (2011). Drug targeting of sphingolipid metabolism: sphingomyelinases and ceramidases. British journal of pharmacology, 163(4), 694–712. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1476...