title: Ceramide: an intracellular mediator of apoptosis and growth suppression.
abstract: Ceramide is an endogenous lipid molecule generated by hydrolysis of membrane sphingomyelin, in response to cellular stimulation by hormones and cytokines. Ceramide appears to have a role in mediating biological responses in a wide variety of cell types. These responses are generally considered anti-proliferative, but endpoints are varied and include differentiation, growth inhibition, senescence and apoptotic cell death. Mechanisms for ceramide action involve regulation of protein phosphorylation via stimulation of a serine/threonine protein phosphatase, a proline-directed kinase and possibly other direct and/or indirect targets.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Saba
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Obeid
authors.forename: Y A
authors.initials: YA
authors.lastname: Hannun
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology*; D002468:Cell Physiological Phenomena; D002477:Cells / Q000166:cytology; D016922:Cellular Senescence; D002518:Ceramides / Q000502:physiology*; D006131:Growth Inhibitors / Q000502:physiology*; D008322:Mammals
chemical_list: D002518:Ceramides; D006131:Growth Inhibitors