Sphingosine-1-phosphate and sphingosylphosphorylcholine: two of a kind?
Sphingosine-1-phosphate and sphingosylphosphorylcholine are structurally related signalling molecules. Although they share some biological effects, it is debated whether this involves the same receptors. In this issue, Mathieson and Nixon report that these two lipids activate the same transcription factor but do so via distinct signalling pathways. Against this background, we discuss some of the potential pitfalls in studies comparing the effects of the two sphingolipids.
Alewijnse
Astrid E
AE
Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Academisch Medisch Centrum, Meibergdreef 15, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1105 AZ, The Netherlands.
Michel
Martin C
MC
D000818:Animals; D017362:Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D004789:Enzyme Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D008246:Lysophospholipids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D010767:Phosphorylcholine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013110:Sphingosine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology
D017362:Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein; D008246:Lysophospholipids; C005356:sphingosine phosphorylcholine; D010767:Phosphorylcholine; C060506:sphingosine 1-phosphate; D013110:Sphingosine