sphingolipid metabolic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

The chemical reactions and pathways involving sphingolipids, any of a class of lipids containing the long-chain amine diol sphingosine or a closely related base (a sphingoid). [GOC:mah, ISBN:0198506732]

Sphingolipid metabolism is a complex and essential biological process that involves the synthesis, degradation, and modification of sphingolipids. Sphingolipids are a class of lipids that are crucial for a wide range of cellular functions, including cell signaling, membrane structure, and cell recognition.

The synthesis of sphingolipids begins with the condensation of serine and palmitoyl-CoA to form 3-ketodihydrosphingosine. This molecule is then reduced to dihydrosphingosine, which is subsequently acylated to form ceramide. Ceramide is the central precursor for all other sphingolipids.

Ceramide can be further metabolized to form sphingomyelin, which is a major component of cell membranes. Sphingomyelin can also be converted to ceramide-1-phosphate, a signaling molecule involved in various cellular processes.

Other sphingolipids, such as glycosphingolipids, are synthesized from ceramide by the addition of sugars. Glycosphingolipids are important for cell recognition and interactions.

The degradation of sphingolipids is initiated by the action of sphingomyelinases, which hydrolyze sphingomyelin to ceramide. Ceramide can then be further degraded by ceramidases to sphingosine and fatty acid.

Sphingosine can be phosphorylated to form sphingosine-1-phosphate, a signaling molecule involved in cell survival, growth, and migration.

Sphingolipid metabolism is tightly regulated by a variety of factors, including hormones, cytokines, and stress signals. Disruptions in sphingolipid metabolism are implicated in various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.'
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Proteins (3)

Compounds (5)