Neutral sphingomyelinases and nSMase2: bridging the gaps.
There is strong evidence indicating a role for ceramide as a second messenger in processes such as apoptosis, cell growth and differentiation, and cellular responses to stress. Ceramide formation from the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin is considered to be a major pathway of stress-induced ceramide production with magnesium-dependent neutral sphingomyelinase (N-SMase) identified as a prime candidate in this pathway. The recent cloning of a mammalian N-SMase-nSMase2- and generation of nSMase2 knockout/mutant mice have now provided vital tools with which to further study the regulation and roles of this enzyme in both a physiological and pathological context. In the present review, we summarize current knowledge on N-SMase relating this to what is known about nSMase2. We also discuss the future areas of nSMase2 research important for molecular understanding of this enzyme and its physiological roles.
Clarke
Christopher J
CJ
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
Hannun
Yusuf A
YA
D000818:Animals; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D013108:Sphingomyelin Phosphodiesterase / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism*
D007527:Isoenzymes; D013108:Sphingomyelin Phosphodiesterase