Ceramide and apoptosis: exploring the enigmatic connections between sphingolipid metabolism and programmed cell death
Programmed cell death, or apoptosis, is a complex process whereby eukaryotic cells react to physiologic or pathophysiologic stimuli by undergoing genetically programmed suicide. Programmed cell death involves many well-characterized signaling pathways including permeabilization of the mitochondrial...
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Published in | Anti-cancer agents in medicinal chemistry Vol. 12; no. 4; p. 340 |
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Main Authors | , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
Netherlands
01.05.2012
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Subjects | |
Online Access | Get more information |
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Summary: | Programmed cell death, or apoptosis, is a complex process whereby eukaryotic cells react to physiologic or pathophysiologic stimuli by undergoing genetically programmed suicide. Programmed cell death involves many well-characterized signaling pathways including permeabilization of the mitochondrial outer membrane and activation of caspases. Other pathways, such as pro-apoptotic lipid signaling, are less understood despite many years of study. The sphingolipid ceramide has received considerable attention as a key regulator of programmed cell death, yet the mechanisms of its up-regulation and ability to control cell fate remain ill-defined. In this review, we will examine the connections between sphingolipid metabolism and programmed cell death with a focus on the role of de novo sphingolipid synthesis and sphingosine salvage in producing pro-apoptotic ceramide. We will also highlight the evidence supporting an increasingly complex role for ceramide in regulating apoptosis and provide a framework in which to ask new questions about the functions of this enigmatic lipid. |
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ISSN: | 1875-5992 |
DOI: | 10.2174/187152012800228661 |