Neuronal membranes are known to be particularly enriched in complex sphingolipids such as cerebrosides and gangliosides. Sphingolipids have been considered for many years only structural components of the nervous system but it has become evident that sphingolipids such as ceramide, ceramide- 1-phosphate, sphingosine and sphingosine-1-phosphate are signalling molecules. They either act as first messengers binding to a seven-spanning G proteincoupled receptor subfamily, or as intracellular second messengers. In addition, they are important components of the membrane microdomains called lipid rafts. The effects of the sphingolipids depend on cell type and on the stage of cell development, as well as on the ratio between different metabolites and on the specific subcellular compartment of generation. This article reviews the accumulating evidence indicating that sphingolipids are involved in the control of cellular excitability, proliferation, migration, differentiation, and apoptosis that are crucial in the development and function of the nervous system in both physiological and pathological conditions such as ischemia, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.
Role of sphingolipids in health and disease in the nervous system
GARCIA GIL, MARIA de las MERCEDES
2006-01-01
Abstract
Neuronal membranes are known to be particularly enriched in complex sphingolipids such as cerebrosides and gangliosides. Sphingolipids have been considered for many years only structural components of the nervous system but it has become evident that sphingolipids such as ceramide, ceramide- 1-phosphate, sphingosine and sphingosine-1-phosphate are signalling molecules. They either act as first messengers binding to a seven-spanning G proteincoupled receptor subfamily, or as intracellular second messengers. In addition, they are important components of the membrane microdomains called lipid rafts. The effects of the sphingolipids depend on cell type and on the stage of cell development, as well as on the ratio between different metabolites and on the specific subcellular compartment of generation. This article reviews the accumulating evidence indicating that sphingolipids are involved in the control of cellular excitability, proliferation, migration, differentiation, and apoptosis that are crucial in the development and function of the nervous system in both physiological and pathological conditions such as ischemia, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
