title: Sphingolipid and ceramide homeostasis: potential therapeutic targets.
abstract: Sphingolipids are ubiquitous in eukaryotic cells where they have been attributed a plethora of functions from the formation of structural domains to polarized cellular trafficking and signal transduction. Recent research has identified and characterised many of the key enzymes involved in sphingolipid metabolism and this has led to a heightened interest in the possibility of targeting these processes for therapies against cancers, Alzheimer's disease, and numerous important human pathogens. In this paper we outline the major pathways in eukaryotic sphingolipid metabolism and discuss these in relation to disease and therapy for both chronic and infectious conditions.
authors.affiliation: School of Biology and Chemistry, Biomedical Sciences Research Complex, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, KY16 9ST, UK.
authors.forename: Simon A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: John G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Mina
authors.forename: Paul W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Denny
authors.forename: Terry K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Smith