Acid ceramidase inhibition: a novel target for cancer therapy

Front Biosci. 2008 Jan 1:13:2293-8. doi: 10.2741/2843.

Abstract

During the last decade, sphingolipid deregulation, namely the balance between the pro-apoptotic molecule ceramide and the anti-apoptotic sphingolipid sphingosine-1-phosphate, has emerged as an important factor in cancer pathology and resistance to therapy. Thus, our research has been focused on developing drugs that are able to restore normal sphingolipid balance, precisely through increasing the levels of ceramide and decreasing sphingosine-1-phosphate. Particularly, inhibition of the ceramide metabolizing enzyme acid ceramidase, whose over-expression in cancer cells has been implicated in resistance to treatment, is proving to be an efficient and promising strategy. In this review, we consider our recent work with acid ceramidase inhibitors, in combination with radiation or gene therapy as a sensitizer that enhance cancer therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Chicken anemia virus / genetics
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Fas Ligand Protein / metabolism
  • Galactosylgalactosylglucosylceramidase / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Genetic Therapy / methods*
  • Genetic Vectors / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Neoplasms / therapy*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Fas Ligand Protein
  • Galactosylgalactosylglucosylceramidase