Sphingolipid pathway enzymes modulate cell fate and immune responses. Immunotherapy 2017 Nov;9(14):1185-1198
Date
10/27/2017Pubmed ID
29067886DOI
10.2217/imt-2017-0089Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85032440636 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 25 CitationsAbstract
Sphingolipids (SLs) are a class of essential, bioactive lipids. The SL family includes over 4000 distinct molecules, characterized by their sphingoid base (long-chain aliphatic amine) backbone. SLs are key components of cell membranes, yet their roles go well beyond structure. SLs are involved in many cellular processes including cell differentiation, apoptosis, growth arrest and senescence. As cancer cells routinely display increased growth properties and escape from cell death, it has been suggested that enzymes involved in SL synthesis or catabolism may be altered in cancer cells. In this review, we discuss the role of SL pathway enzymes in cancer, and in acquired resistance to therapy. The use of inhibitors and gene silencing approaches targeting these SL pathways is also explored. Finally, we elaborate on the role of SL pathway enzymes in the tumor microenvironment and their effect on immune cell function.
Author List
Molino S, Tate E, McKillop WM, Medin JAAuthor
Jeffrey A. Medin PhD Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AnimalsApoptosis
Cell Cycle
Cell Differentiation
Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
Humans
Immunity
Lipid Metabolism
Molecular Targeted Therapy
Neoplasms
Signal Transduction
Sphingolipids
