ceramide cholinephosphotransferase activity

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Catalysis of the reaction: CDP-choline + ceramide = CMP + H+ + sphingomyelin. [EC:2.7.8.3, RHEA:16273]

Ceramide cholinephosphotransferase activity is a key enzyme in sphingolipid metabolism, specifically in the biosynthesis of sphingomyelin. This enzyme catalyzes the transfer of phosphocholine from CDP-choline to ceramide, forming sphingomyelin. The reaction involves the formation of a phosphodiester bond between the phosphate group of CDP-choline and the hydroxyl group at the C1 position of ceramide.

This enzymatic activity is crucial for maintaining cellular membrane integrity and signaling. Sphingomyelin, the product of this reaction, is a major component of cell membranes and plays a role in signal transduction pathways, membrane trafficking, and cell growth regulation.

Ceramide cholinephosphotransferase activity is also linked to various cellular processes, including:

- **Cell signaling:** Sphingomyelin can be hydrolyzed to generate ceramide, a potent signaling molecule involved in apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and inflammation.
- **Membrane organization:** Sphingomyelin contributes to the formation of lipid rafts, microdomains within the plasma membrane that are enriched in specific lipids and proteins, playing a role in signal transduction and membrane trafficking.
- **Lipid homeostasis:** Ceramide cholinephosphotransferase activity participates in the regulation of lipid metabolism, contributing to the balance of sphingolipid species in cells.

Mutations or dysregulation of ceramide cholinephosphotransferase activity can lead to various diseases, including sphingolipidoses, characterized by the accumulation of sphingolipids in various tissues, and neurodegenerative disorders.'
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Proteins (2)

Compounds (6)