Regulation of the sphingosine kinase/sphingosine 1-phosphate pathway

Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2013:(216):275-303. doi: 10.1007/978-3-7091-1511-4_14.

Abstract

Sphingolipids have emerged as pleiotropic signaling molecules with roles in numerous cellular and biological functions. Defining the regulatory mechanisms governing sphingolipid metabolism is crucial in order to develop a complete understanding of the biological functions of sphingolipid metabolites. The sphingosine kinase/ sphingosine 1-phosphate pathway was originally thought to function in the irreversible breakdown of sphingoid bases; however, in the last few decades it has materialized as an extremely important signaling pathway involved in a plethora of cellular events contributing to both normal and pathophysiological events. Recognition of the SK/S1P pathway as a second messaging system has aided in the identification of many mechanisms of its regulation; however, a cohesive, global understanding of the regulatory mechanisms controlling the SK/S1P pathway is lacking. In this chapter, the role of the SK/S1P pathway as a second messenger is discussed, and its role in mediating TNF-α- and EGF-induced biologies is examined. This work provides a comprehensive look into the roles and regulation of the sphingosine kinase/ sphingosine 1-phosphate pathway and highlights the potential of the pathway as a therapeutic target.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Drug Design
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Lysophospholipids / metabolism*
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor) / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction* / drug effects
  • Sphingosine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Sphingosine / metabolism

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Lysophospholipids
  • sphingosine 1-phosphate
  • Phosphotransferases (Alcohol Group Acceptor)
  • sphingosine kinase
  • Sphingosine