Targeting the conversion of ceramide to sphingosine 1-phosphate as a novel strategy for cancer therapy

Huwiler, Andrea; Zangemeister-Wittke, Uwe (2007). Targeting the conversion of ceramide to sphingosine 1-phosphate as a novel strategy for cancer therapy. Critical reviews in oncology, hematology, 63(2), pp. 150-9. Boca Raton, Fla.: Elsevier 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2007.04.010

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Sphingolipids not only function as structural components of cell membranes but also act as signaling molecules to regulate fundamental cellular responses, such as cell death and differentiation, proliferation and certain types of inflammation. Particularly the cellular balance between ceramide and sphingosine 1-phosphate seems to be crucial for a cell's decision to either undergo apoptosis or proliferate, two events which are implicated in tumor development and growth. Whereas ceramide possesses proapoptotic capacity in many cell types, sphingosine 1-phosphate acts as a counterplayer able to induce cell proliferation and protect cells from undergoing apoptosis. Therefore, tipping the balance in favour of ceramide production, i.e. by inhibiting ceramidase or sphingosine kinase activities has potential to support its proapoptotic action and hence represents a promising rational approach to effective cancer therapy. This review highlights most recent data on the regulation of cellular sphingolipid formation and their potential implication in tumor development, and provides perspectives for their use as targets in molecular intervention therapy.

Item Type:	Journal Article (Further Contribution)
Division/Institute:	04 Faculty of Medicine > Pre-clinic Human Medicine > Institute of Pharmacology
UniBE Contributor:	Huwiler, Andrea, Zangemeister-Wittke, Uwe
Subjects:	600 Technology > 610 Medicine & health
ISSN:	1040-8428
ISBN:	17560117
Publisher:	Elsevier
Language:	English
Submitter:	Factscience Import
Date Deposited:	04 Oct 2013 14:54
Last Modified:	05 Dec 2022 14:16
Publisher DOI:	10.1016/j.critrevonc.2007.04.010
PubMed ID:	17560117
Web of Science ID:	000248370900005
URI:	https://boris.unibe.ch/id/eprint/22999 (FactScience: 38522)