title: Ceramide involvement in apoptosis and apoptotic diseases.
abstract: Apoptosis is implicated in a number of diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases and AIDS. More and more, evidence is accumulating pointing to the critical role of ceramides in the induction of apoptosis. The present review summarizes (i) the molecular basis and regulation of the apoptotic machinery, (ii) the molecular role of ceramides in the induction or execution of apoptotic pathways, and (iii) evidence linking ceramide generation to various apoptotic diseases. Additionally, this review discusses putative therapeutic approaches inhibiting ceramide production in apoptotic diseases.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Microbial and Plant Genetics (CMPG), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Heverlee, Belgium. karin.thevissen@biw.kuleuven.be
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Thevissen
authors.forename: Isabelle E J A
authors.initials: IE
authors.lastname: François
authors.forename: Joris
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Winderickx
authors.forename: Christophe
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pannecouque
authors.forename: Bruno P A
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Cammue
mesh_terms: D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D002518:Ceramides / Q000378:metabolism*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000201:enzymology / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013108:Sphingomyelin Phosphodiesterase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
chemical_list: D002518:Ceramides; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D013108:Sphingomyelin Phosphodiesterase