Overview of acid and neutral sphingomyelinases in cell signaling

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. © Springer-Verlag Tokyo 2006. All rights reserved.