D-erythro MAPP, alkaline ceramidase inhibitor

Supplementary information

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

ASAH1 also known as acid ceramidase or alkaline ceramidase is an enzyme that plays a role in the hydrolysis of ceramides into sphingosine and free fatty acids. It has a mass of approximately 55 kDa. This enzyme is primarily found in lysosomes cellular organelles that manage waste. ASAH1 is expressed in various tissues including liver heart brain and skin illustrating its widespread distribution in the body.

Biological function summary

ASAH1 influences several important cellular processes by controlling the levels of ceramide and sphingosine. These lipids are not just structural components of membranes; they participate actively in cell signaling. ASAH1 exists as part of a larger complex that includes other enzymes involved in sphingolipid metabolism. Changes in ceramide levels influence apoptosis and cell proliferation indicating ASAH1's role as a regulator in these processes.

Pathways

ASAH1 is central to the sphingolipid metabolism pathway. This pathway is interconnected with the apoptosis signaling pathway. By converting ceramide to sphingosine ASAH1 links the complex ceramide/sphingosine balance affecting cell survival and death decisions. It interacts with other enzymes such as sphingosine kinase 1 and ceramide synthases which further maintain the dynamic regulation between sphingosine and ceramide levels.

ASAH1 is linked to conditions such as Farber disease and spinal muscular atrophy. These disorders result from dysfunctional ceramide metabolism causing cellular and systemic impacts due to excessive ceramide accumulation. Proteins like acid sphingomyelinase are related to ASAH1's role in these diseases as both contribute to sphingolipid balance in cells. Understanding ASAH1 and its pathways provides insights into potential therapeutic targets for these sphingolipid-related disorders.