Ceramide: from embryos to tumors.
Ceramides are ubiquitous lipids that have important functions integral to apoptotic signaling. Several therapeutic agents currently exist that induce ceramide-dependent apoptosis in cancerous cells, and a number of enzymes involved in ceramide metabolism are beginning to be recognized as potential targets for cancer therapy. Recent research shows that evasion of ceramide-dependent apoptosis is essential at the earliest stages of embryonic development and is an important mechanism of multidrug resistance. Although ceramide-based strategies for treating cancer are promising, current data about ceramide-resistant tumors require further understanding of the role of ceramide in apoptosis.
Savtchouk
Iaroslav A
IA
Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA. ixs138@psu.edu
Mattie
Floyd J
FJ
Ollis
Anne A
AA
D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology*; D002518:Ceramides / Q000378:metabolism*; D018432:Drug Resistance, Multiple / Q000502:physiology*; D002517:Galactosylgalactosylglucosylceramidase / Q000378:metabolism; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / Q000502:physiology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000517:prevention & control; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*
D002518:Ceramides; D002517:Galactosylgalactosylglucosylceramidase