Ceramide kinase mediates cytokine- and calcium ionophore-induced arachidonic acid release

ATRA inhibits ceramide kinase transcription in a human neuroblastoma cell line, SH-SY5Y cells: the role of COUP-TFI

Ceramide is the central lipid in the sphingolipid metabolism. Ceramide kinase (CERK) and its product, ceramide 1-phosphate, have been implicated in various cellular functions. However, the regulatory mechanism of CERK gene expression remains to be determined. Here, we examined CERK mRNA level during all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA)-induced differentiation of a human neuroblastoma cell line, SH-SY5Y. ATRA reduced CERK mRNA and protein levels. Over-expression and small interfering RNA (siRNA) of CERK revealed that CERK is inhibitory against ATRA-induced neuronal differentiation and cell growth arrest. ATRA inhibited the transcriptional activity of 5'-promoter of CERK. Truncation and mutation study suggests that ATRA-responsible region was mainly located in the tandem retinoic acid responsive elements (RARE) between -40 bp and the first exon. The electrophoresis mobility shift assay revealed that ATRA produced two retarded bands, which were erased by antibody against chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor I (COUP-TFI), RARalpha, and RXRalpha, respectively. DNA pull-down assay confirmed increased binding of these transcription factors to RARE. Transient expression of RAR, RXR, and COUP-TFI and siRNA transfection of these genes revealed that COUP-TFI inhibited CERK mRNA. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay showed the recruitment of co-repressors as well as three transcription factors. These results suggest that COUP-TFI was the ATRA-responsive suppressive transcription factor of CERK gene transcription.

Ceramide 1-phosphate is required for the translocation of group IVA cytosolic phospholipase A2 and prostaglandin synthesis

Little is known about the regulation of eicosanoid synthesis proximal to the activation of cytosolic phospholipase A(2)alpha (cPLA(2)alpha), the initial rate-limiting step. The current view is that cPLA(2)alpha associates with intracellular/phosphatidylcholine-rich membranes strictly via hydrophobic interactions in response to an increase of intracellular calcium. In opposition to this accepted mechanism of two decades, ceramide 1-phosphate (C1P) has been shown to increase the membrane association of cPLA(2)alpha in vitro via a novel site in the cationic beta-groove of the C2 domain (Stahelin, R. V., Subramanian, P., Vora, M., Cho, W., and Chalfant, C. E. (2007) J. Biol. Chem. 282, 20467-204741). In this study we demonstrate that C1P is a proximal and required bioactive lipid for the translocation of cPLA(2)alpha to intracellular membranes in response to inflammatory agonists (e.g. calcium ionophore and ATP). Last, the absolute requirement of the C1P/cPLA(2)alpha interaction was demonstrated for the production of eicosanoids using murine embryonic fibroblasts (cPLA(2)alpha(-/-)) coupled to "rescue" studies. Therefore, this study provides a paradigm shift in how cPLA(2)alpha is activated during inflammation.

JNK and ceramide kinase govern the biogenesis of lipid droplets through activation of group IVA phospholipase A2

The biogenesis of lipid droplets (LD) induced by serum depends on group IVA phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)alpha). This work dissects the pathway leading to cPLA(2)alpha activation and LD biogenesis. Both processes were Ca(2+)-independent, as they took place after pharmacological blockade of Ca(2+) transients elicited by serum or chelation with 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid tetrakis(acetoxymethyl ester). The single mutation D43N in cPLA(2)alpha, which abrogates its Ca(2+) binding capacity and translocation to membranes, did not affect enzyme activation and formation of LD. In contrast, the mutation S505A did not affect membrane relocation of the enzyme in response to Ca(2+) but prevented its phosphorylation, activation, and the appearance of LD. Expression of specific activators of different mitogen-activated protein kinases showed that phosphorylation of cPLA(2)alpha at Ser-505 is due to JNK. This was confirmed by pharmacological inhibition and expression of a dominant-negative form of the upstream activator MEKK1. LD biogenesis was accompanied by increased synthesis of ceramide 1-phosphate. Overexpression of its synthesizing enzyme ceramide kinase increased phosphorylation of cPLA(2)alpha at Ser-505 and formation of LD, and its down-regulation blocked the phosphorylation of cPLA(2)alpha and LD biogenesis. These results demonstrate that LD biogenesis induced by serum is regulated by JNK and ceramide kinase.

Use of high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry for the analysis of ceramide-1-phosphate levels

Ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P) is a bioactive sphingolipid with roles in several biological processes. Currently, high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC ESI-MS/MS) offers the most efficient method of quantifying C1P. However, the published protocols have several drawbacks causing overestimations and carryovers. Here, the reported overestimation of C1P was shown to be due to incomplete neutralization of base hydrolyzed lipid extracts leading to the hydrolysis of SM to C1P. Actual quantity of C1P in cells (6 pmols/10(6) cells) was much lower than previously reported. Also, the major species of C1P produced by ceramide kinase (CERK) was found to be d(18:1/16:0) with a minority of d(18:1/24:1) and d(18:1/24:0). The artifactual production of C1P from SM was used for generating C1Ps as retention time markers. Elimination of carryovers between samples and a 2-fold enhancement in the signal strength was achieved by heating the chromatographic column to 60 (degrees) C. The role of ceramide transport protein (CERT) in supplying substrate to CERK was also revalidated using this new assay. Finally, our results demonstrate the presence of additional pathway(s) for generation of the C1P subspecies, d(18:1/18:0) C1P, as well as a significant portion of d(18:1/16:0), d(18:1/24:1), and d(18:1/24:0). In conclusion, this study introduces a much improved and validated method for detection of C1P by mass spectrometry and demonstrates specific changes in the C1P subspecies profiles upon downregulation of CERK and CERT.

Lipids as targets for novel anti-inflammatory therapies

Lipids serve important functions as membrane constituents and also as energy storing molecules. Besides these functions certain lipid species have now been recognized as signalling molecules that regulate a multitude of cellular responses including cell growth and death, and also inflammatory reactions. Bioactive lipids are generated by hydrolysis from membrane lipids mainly by phospholipases giving rise to fatty acids and lysophospholipids that either directly exert their function or are further converted to active mediators. This review will summarize the present knowledge about bioactive lipids that either promote or attenuate inflammatory reactions. These lipids include polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), eicosanoids including the epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EET), peroxisome proliferation activating receptor (PPAR) activators, cannabinoids and the sphingolipids ceramide, sphingosine 1-phosphate and sphingosylphosphorylcholine.

Sphingolipids in inflammation: pathological implications and potential therapeutic targets

Sphingolipids are formed via the metabolism of sphingomyelin, a constituent of the plasma membrane, or by de novo synthesis. Enzymatic pathways result in the formation of several different lipid mediators, which are known to have important roles in many cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis and migration. Several studies now suggest that these sphingolipid mediators, including ceramide, ceramide 1-phosphate and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), are likely to have an integral role in inflammation. This can involve, for example, activation of pro-inflammatory transcription factors in different cell types and induction of cyclooxygenase-2, leading to production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. The mode of action of each sphingolipid is different. Increased ceramide production leads to the formation of ceramide-rich areas of the membrane, which may assemble signalling complexes, whereas S1P acts via high-affinity G-protein-coupled S1P receptors on the plasma membrane. Recent studies have demonstrated that in vitro effects of sphingolipids on inflammation can translate into in vivo models. This review will highlight the areas of research where sphingolipids are involved in inflammation and the mechanisms of action of each mediator. In addition, the therapeutic potential of drugs that alter sphingolipid actions will be examined with reference to disease states, such as asthma and inflammatory bowel disease, which involve important inflammatory components. A significant body of research now indicates that sphingolipids are intimately involved in the inflammatory process and recent studies have demonstrated that these lipids, together with associated enzymes and receptors, can provide effective drug targets for the treatment of pathological inflammation.

Subcellular localization of ceramide kinase and ceramide kinase-like protein requires interplay of their Pleckstrin Homology domain-containing N-terminal regions together with C-terminal domains

Ceramide kinase (CERK) and the ceramide kinase-like protein (CERKL), two related members of the diacylglycerol kinase family, are ill-defined at the molecular level. In particular, what determines their distinctive subcellular localization is not well understood. Here we show that the Pleckstrin Homology (PH) domain of CERK, which is required for Golgi complex localization, can substitute for the N-terminal region of CERKL and allow for wild-type CERKL localization, which is typified by nucleolar accumulation. This demonstrates that determinants for localization of these two enzymes do not lie solely in their PH domain-containing N-terminal regions. Moreover, we present evidence for a previously unrecognized participation of CERK distal sequences in structural stability, localization and activity of the full-length protein. Progressive deletion of CERK and CERKL from the C-terminus revealed similar sequential organization in both proteins, with nuclear import signals in their N-terminal part, and nuclear export signals in their C-terminal part. Furthermore, mutagenesis of individual cysteine residues of a CERK-specific CXXXCXXC motif severely compromised both exportation of CERK from the nucleus and its association with the Golgi complex. Altogether, this work identifies conserved domains in CERK and CERKL as well as new determinants for their subcellular localization. It further suggests a nucleocytoplasmic shuttling mechanism for both proteins that may be defective in CERKL mutant proteins responsible for retinal degenerative diseases.

Structure of ceramide-1-phosphate at the air-water solution interface in the absence and presence of Ca2+

Ceramide-1-phosphate, the phosphorylated form of ceramide, gained attention recently due to its diverse intracellular roles, in particular in inflammation mediated by cPLA(2)alpha. However, surprisingly little is known about the physical chemical properties of this lipid and its potential impact on physiological function. For example, the presence of Ca(2+) is indispensable for the interaction of Cer-1-P with the C2 domain of cPLA(2)alpha. We report on the structure and morphology of Cer-1-P in monomolecular layers at the air/water solution interface in the absence and presence of Ca(2+) using diverse biophysical techniques, including synchrotron x-ray reflectivity and grazing angle diffraction, to gain insight into the role and function of Cer-1-P in biomembranes. We show that relatively small changes in pH and the presence of monovalent cations dramatically affect the behavior of Cer-1-P. On pure water Cer-1-P forms a solid monolayer despite the negative charge of the phosphomonoester headgroup. In contrast, pH 7.2 buffer yields a considerably less solid-like monolayer, indicating that charge-charge repulsion becomes important at higher pH. Calcium was found to bind strongly to the headgroup of Cer-1-P even in the presence of a 100-fold larger Na(+) concentration. Analysis of the x-ray reflectivity data allowed us to estimate how much Ca(2+) is bound to the headgroup, approximately 0.5 Ca(2+) and approximately 1.0 Ca(2+) ions per Cer-1-P molecule for the water and buffer subphase respectively. These results can be qualitatively understood based on the molecular structure of Cer-1-P and the electrostatic/hydrogen-bond interactions of its phosphomonoester headgroup. Biological implications of our results are also discussed.

TLR-4 mediated group IVA phospholipase A(2) activation is phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase 1 and protein kinase C dependent

Group IVA phospholipase A(2) (GIVA PLA(2)) catalyzes the release of arachidonic acid (AA) from the sn-2 position of glycerophospholipids. AA is then further metabolized into terminal signaling molecules including numerous prostaglandins. We have now demonstrated the involvement of phosphatidic acid phosphohydrolase 1 (PAP-1) and protein kinase C (PKC) in the Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) activation of GIVA PLA(2). We also studied the effect of PAP-1 and PKC on Ca+2 induced and synergy enhanced GIVA PLA(2) activation. We observed that the AA release induced by exposure of RAW 264.7 macrophages to the TLR-4 specific agonist Kdo(2)-Lipid A is blocked by the PAP-1 inhibitors bromoenol lactone (BEL) and propranolol as well as the PKC inhibitor Ro 31-8220; however these inhibitors did not reduce AA release stimulated by Ca+2 influx induced by the P2X7 purinergic receptor agonist ATP. Additionally, stimulation of cells with diacylglycerol (DAG), the product of PAP-1 mediated hydrolysis, initiated AA release from unstimulated cells as well as restored normal AA release from cells treated with PAP-1 inhibitors. Finally, neither PAP-1 nor PKC inhibition reduced GIVA PLA(2) synergistic activation by stimulation with Kdo(2)-Lipid A and ATP.

Expression of phospholipases A2 in primary human lung macrophages: role of cytosolic phospholipase A2-alpha in arachidonic acid release and platelet activating factor synthesis

Macrophages are a major source of lipid mediators in the human lung. Expression and contribution of cytosolic (cPLA(2)) and secreted phospholipases A(2) (sPLA(2)) to the generation of lipid mediators in human macrophages are unclear. We investigated the expression and role of different PLA(2)s in the production of lipid mediators in primary human lung macrophages. Macrophages express the alpha, but not the zeta isoform of group IV and group VIA cPLA(2) (iPLA(2)). Two structurally-divergent inhibitors of group IV cPLA(2) completely block arachidonic acid release by macrophages in response to non-physiological (Ca(2+) ionophores and phorbol esters) and physiological agonists (lipopolysaccharide and Mycobacterium protein derivative). These inhibitors also reduce by 70% the synthesis of platelet-activating factor by activated macrophages. Among the full set of human sPLA(2)s, macrophages express group IIA, IID, IIE, IIF, V, X and XIIA, but not group IB and III enzymes. Me-Indoxam, a potent and cell impermeable inhibitor of several sPLA(2)s, has no effect on arachidonate release or platelet-activating factor production. Agonist-induced exocytosis is not influenced by cPLA(2) inhibitors at concentrations that block arachidonic acid release. Our results indicate that human macrophages express cPLA(2)-alpha, iPLA(2) and several sPLA(2)s. Cytosolic PLA(2)-alpha is the major enzyme responsible for lipid mediator production in human macrophages.

Chain length specificity for activation of cPLA2alpha by C1P: use of the dodecane delivery system to determine lipid-specific effects

Previously, our laboratory demonstrated that ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P) specifically activated group IVA cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)alpha) in vitro. In this study, we investigated the chain length specificity of this interaction. C1P with an acyl-chain of >or=6 carbons efficiently activated cPLA(2)alpha in vitro, whereas C(2)-C1P, was unable to do so. Delivery of C1P to cells via the newly characterized ethanol/dodecane system demonstrated a lipid-specific activation of cPLA(2)alpha, AA release, and PGE(2) synthesis (EC(50) = 400 nM) when compared to structurally similar lipids. C1P delivered as vesicles in water also induced a lipid-specific increase in AA release. Mass spectrometric analysis demonstrated that C1P delivered via ethanol/dodecane induced a 3-fold increase in endogenous C1P with little metabolism to ceramide. C1P was also more efficiently delivered (>3-fold) to internal membranes by ethanol/dodecane as compared to vesiculated C1P. Using this now established delivery method for lipids, C(2)-C1P was shown to be ineffective in the induction of AA release as compared with C(6)-C1P, C(16)-C1P, and C(18:1) C1P. Here, we demonstrate that C1P requires >or=6 carbon acyl-chain to activate cPLA(2)alpha. Thus, published reports on the biological activity of C(2)-C1P are not via eicosanoid synthesis. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that the alcohol/dodecane system can be used to efficiently deliver exogenous phospholipids to cells for the examination of specific biological effects.

Ceramide 1-phosphate (C1P) promotes cell migration Involvement of a specific C1P receptor

Ceramide 1-phosphate (C1P) is a bioactive sphingolipid that is implicated in the regulation of cell homeostasis and the control of inflammation. It is mitogenic for fibroblasts and macrophages, and has been described as potent inhibitor of apoptosis. Using RAW 264.7 macrophages we have now discovered a new biological activity of C1P: stimulation of cell migration. This novel action can only be observed when C1P is applied exogenously to the cells in culture, and not by increasing the intracellular levels of C1P. This fact led to identify a specific receptor through which C1P stimulates cell migration. The receptor is coupled to G(i) proteins and causes phosphorylation of extracellularly regulated kinases 1 and 2, and protein kinase B (also known as Akt) upon ligation with C1P. Inhibition of either of these pathways completely abolished C1P-stimulated macrophage migration. In addition, C1P stimulated the DNA binding activity of nuclear factor kappa B, and blockade of this transcription factor resulted in complete inhibition of macrophage migration. This newly identified receptor could be an important drug target for treatment of illnesses that are associated to inflammatory processes, or to diseases in which cell migration is a major cause of pathology, as it occurs in metastatic tumors.

Neutropenia with impaired immune response to Streptococcus pneumoniae in ceramide kinase-deficient mice

In mammals, ceramide kinase (CerK)-mediated phosphorylation of ceramide is the only known pathway to ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P), a recently identified signaling sphingolipid metabolite. To help delineate the roles of CerK and C1P, we knocked out the gene of CerK in BALB/c mice by homologous recombination. All in vitro as well as cell-based assays indicated that CerK activity is completely abolished in Cerk-/- mice. Labeling with radioactive orthophosphate showed a profound reduction in the levels of de novo C1P formed in Cerk-/- macrophages. Consistently, mass spectrometry analysis revealed a major contribution of CerK to the formation of C16-C1P. However, the significant residual C1P levels in Cerk-/- animals indicate that alternative routes to C1P exist. Furthermore, serum levels of proapoptotic ceramide in these animals were significantly increased while levels of dihydroceramide as the biosynthetic precursor were reduced. Previous literature pointed to a role of CerK or C1P in innate immune cell function. Using a variety of mechanistic and disease models, as well as primary cells, we found that macrophage- and mast cell-dependent readouts are barely affected in the absence of CerK. However, the number of neutrophils was strikingly reduced in blood and spleen of Cerk-/- animals. When tested in a model of fulminant pneumonia, Cerk-/- animals developed a more severe disease, lending support to a defect in neutrophil homeostasis following CerK ablation. These results identify ceramide kinase as a key regulator of C1P, dihydroceramide and ceramide levels, with important implications for neutrophil homeostasis and innate immunity regulation.

Targeting SphK1 as a new strategy against cancer

Sphingolipid metabolites have emerged as critical players in a number of fundamental biological processes. Among them, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) promotes cell survival and proliferation, in contrast to ceramide and sphingosine, which induce cell growth arrest and apoptosis. These sphingolipids with opposing functions are interconvertible inside cells, suggesting that a finely tuned balance between them can determine cell fate. Sphingosine kinases (SphKs), which catalyze the phosphorylation of sphingosine to S1P, are critical regulators of this balance. Of the two identified SphKs, sphingosine kinase type 1 (SphK1) has been shown to regulate various processes important for cancer progression and will be the focus of this review, since much less is known of biological functions of SphK2, especially in cancer. SphK1 is overexpressed in various types of cancers and upregulation of SphK1 has been associated with tumor angiogenesis and resistance to radiation and chemotherapy. Many growth factors, through their tyrosine kinase receptors (RTKs), stimulate SphK1 leading to a rapid increase in S1P. This S1P in turn can activate S1P receptors and their downstream signaling. Conversely, activation of S1P receptors can induce transactivation of various RTKs. Thus, SphK1 may play important roles in S1P receptor RTK amplification loops. Here we review the role of SphK1 in tumorigenesis, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy resistance, and as a prognostic marker. We will also review studies on the effects of SphK inhibitors in cells in vitro and in animals in vivo and in some clinical trials and highlight the potential of SphK1 as a new target for cancer therapeutics.

A conserved cysteine motif essential for ceramide kinase function

Ceramide kinase (CerK) is a sphingolipid metabolizing enzyme very sensitive to oxidation; however, the determinants are unknown. We show here that the thiol-modifying agent N-ethyl-maleimide abrogates CerK activity in vitro and in a cell based assay, implying that important cysteine residues are accessible in purified as well as endogenous CerK. We replaced every 22 residues in human CerK, by an alanine, and measured activity in the resulting mutant proteins. This led to identification of a cluster of cysteines, C(347)XXXC(351)XXC(354), essential for CerK function. These findings are discussed based on homology modeling of the catalytic domain of CerK.

Targeting ceramide metabolism with a potent and specific ceramide kinase inhibitor

Ceramide kinase (CerK) produces the bioactive lipid ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P) and appears as a key enzyme for controlling ceramide levels. In this study, we discovered and characterized adamantane-1-carboxylic acid (2-benzoylamino-benzothiazol-6-yl)amide (NVP-231), a potent, specific, and reversible CerK inhibitor that competitively inhibits binding of ceramide to CerK. NVP-231 is active in the low nanomolar range on purified as well as cellular CerK and abrogates phosphorylation of ceramide, resulting in decreased endogenous C1P levels. When combined with another ceramide metabolizing inhibitor, such as tamoxifen, NVP-231 synergistically increased ceramide levels and reduced cell growth. Therefore, NVP-231 represents a novel and promising compound for controlling ceramide metabolism that may provide insight into CerK physiological function.

Role of ceramide kinase in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor beta-induced cell survival of mouse keratinocytes

Ceramide (Cer) is known to be a lipid mediator in apoptosis and to have an important role in cell fate, via control of intracellular Cer levels. Recently, ceramide kinase (CerK) was identified as an enzyme that converts Cer to ceramide 1-phosphate (C1P). We examined potential functions of CerK in the regulation of keratinocyte survival, and the possible involvement of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor beta (PPARbeta). PPARbeta is known to be a nuclear receptor acting as a ligand-inducible transcription factor and has been implicated in the control of keratinocyte survival. In the mouse keratinocyte cell line SP1, serum starvation induced cell death and the accumulation of intracellular Cer, an apoptotic event. However, apoptosis was inhibited by activation of PPARbeta. Interestingly, activation of PPARbeta enhanced the mRNA expression of CerK and CerK activity. Furthermore, the cell survival effect of PPARbeta was greatly diminished in keratinocytes isolated from CerK-null mice. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that, in vivo, PPARbeta binds to the CerK gene via a sequence located in the first intron. Electrophoretic mobility-shift assays confirmed that PPARbeta associates with this sequence in vitro. These findings indicated that CerK gene expression was directly regulated by PPARbeta. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that PPARbeta-mediated upregulation of CerK gene expression is necessary for keratinocyte survival against serum starvation-induced apoptosis.

Involvement of nitric oxide in the promotion of cell survival by ceramide 1-phosphate

Macrophages play vital roles in inflammatory responses, and their number at sites of inflammation is strictly regulated by cell death and division. Here, we demonstrate that production of nitric oxide (NO) is a major mechanism whereby ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P) blocks apoptosis in macrophages. However, NO failed to stimulate macrophage proliferation. The prosurvival effect of C1P was blocked by inhibitors of inducible NO synthase. The antiapoptotic effect of C1P was also blocked by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase or nuclear factor-kappa B inhibitors. Moreover, NO reversed the inhibitory effect of C1P on acid sphingomyelinase, but the prosurvival effect of C1P was independent of this action.

Cytosolic phospholipase A2alpha activation induced by S1P is mediated by the S1P3 receptor in lung epithelial cells

Cytosolic phospholipase A(2)alpha (cPLA(2)alpha) activation is a regulatory step in the control of arachidonic acid (AA) liberation for eicosanoid formation. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid mediator involved in the regulation of many important proinflammatory processes and has been found in the airways of asthmatic subjects. We investigated the mechanism of S1P-induced AA release and determined the involvement of cPLA(2)alpha in these events in A549 human lung epithelial cells. S1P induced AA release rapidly within 5 min in a dose- and time-dependent manner. S1P-induced AA release was inhibited by the cPLA(2)alpha inhibitors methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate (MAFP) and pyrrolidine derivative, by small interfering RNA-mediated downregulation of cPLA(2)alpha, and by inhibition of S1P-induced calcium flux, suggesting a significant role of cPLA(2)alpha in S1P-mediated AA release. Knockdown of the S1P3 receptor, the major S1P receptor expressed on A549 cells, inhibited S1P-induced calcium flux and AA release. The S1P-induced calcium flux and AA release was associated with sphingosine kinase 1 (Sphk1) expression and activity. Furthermore, Rho-associated kinase, downstream of S1P3, was crucial for S1P-induced cPLA(2)alpha activation. Our data suggest that S1P acting through S1P3, calcium flux, and Rho kinase activates cPLA(2)alpha and releases AA in lung epithelial cells. An understanding of S1P-induced cPLA(2)alpha activation mechanisms in epithelial cells may provide potential targets to control inflammatory processes in the lung.

Membrane organization and ionization behavior of the minor but crucial lipid ceramide-1-phosphate

Ceramide-1-phosphate (Cer-1-P), one of the simplest of all sphingophospholipids, occurs in minor amounts in biological membranes. Yet recent evidence suggests important roles of this lipid as a novel second messenger with crucial tasks in cell survival and inflammatory responses. We present a detailed description of the physical chemistry of this hitherto little explored membrane lipid. At full hydration Cer-1-P forms a highly organized subgel (crystalline) bilayer phase (L(c)) at low temperature, which transforms into a regular gel phase (L(beta)) at approximately 45 degrees C, with the gel to fluid phase transition (L(beta)-L(alpha)) occurring at approximately 65 degrees C. When incorporated at 5 mol % in a phosphatidylcholine bilayer, the pK(a2) of Cer-1-P, 7.39 +/- 0.03, lies within the physiological pH range. Inclusion of phosphatidylethanolamine in the phosphatidylcholine bilayer, at equimolar ratio, dramatically reduces the pK(a2) to 6.64 +/- 0.03. We explain these results in light of the novel electrostatic/hydrogen bond switch model described recently for phosphatidic acid. In mixtures with dielaidoylphosphatidylethanolamine, small concentrations of Cer-1-P cause a large reduction of the lamellar-to-inverted hexagonal phase transition temperature, suggesting that Cer-1-P induces, like phosphatidic acid, negative membrane curvature in these types of lipid mixtures. These properties place Cer-1-P in a class more akin to certain glycerophospholipids (phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidic acid) than to any other sphingolipid. In particular, the similarities and differences between ceramide and Cer-1-P may be relevant in explaining some of their physiological roles.

Multiple roles for sphingolipids in steroid hormone biosynthesis

Steroid hormones are essential regulators of a vast number of physiological processes. The biosynthesis of these chemical messengers occurs in specialized steroidogenic tissues via a multi-step process that is catalyzed by members of the cytochrome P450 superfamily of monooxygenases and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases. Though numerous signaling mediators, including cytokines and growth factors control steroidogenesis, trophic peptide hormones are the primary regulators of steroid hormone production. These peptide hormones activate a cAMP/cAMP-dependent kinase (PKA) signaling pathway, however, studies have shown that crosstalk between multiple signal transduction pathways and signaling molecules modulates optimal steroidogenic capacity. Sphingolipids such as ceramide, sphingosine, sphingosine-1-phosphate, sphingomyelin, and gangliosides have been shown to control the steroid hormone biosynthetic pathway at multiple levels, including regulating steroidogenic gene expression and activity as well as acting as second messengers in signaling cascades. In this review, we provide an overview of recent studies that have investigated the role of sphingolipids in adrenal, gonadal, and neural steroidogenesis.

A fluorescent plate reader assay for ceramide kinase

Ceramide kinase and its product ceramide 1-phosphate have been implicated in cellular proliferation and survival, activation of cytosolic phospholipase A(2), mast cell degranulation, and phagocytosis. Current assays for ceramide kinase activity employ [(32)P]ATP, with separation of labeled product from excess ATP by organic extraction and thin-layer chromatography. We have developed a fluorescent plate reader assay for ceramide kinase that uses commercially available C6-NBD ceramide (N-{6-[(7-nitro-2-1,3-benzoxadiazol-4-yl)amino]hexanoyl}-D-erythro-sphingosine). Our assay is based on the differential partitioning of substrate and product following a single chloroform/methanol extraction. The product, which partitions into the aqueous phase at physiological pH, is quantitated directly in a plate reader. The substrate may be delivered using either fatty acid-free albumin or detergent/lipid mixed micelles, and we have found that the use of albumin rather than detergent micelles allows one to detect lipid interactions with the enzyme that might otherwise go unnoticed. Our method is useful for assaying ceramide kinase activity both in vitro and in cultured cells, and it offers several advantages over the conventional assay, including greater speed, the ability to run a larger number of assay replicates at one time, and the elimination of environmental and safety issues associated with the use of radioactive materials.

Ceramide kinase and ceramide-1-phosphate

It has been over a decade since the sphingolipid ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P) was described. Until recently, only sparse reports on possible biological functions for this lipid have been published. A large number of reports have now surfaced demonstrating distinct biological mechanisms regulated by C1P produced from ceramide kinase (CERK). In the following methods chapter, the methodologies for examining CERK function in vitro and in cells are outlined in detail. The methodologies for examining C1P levels and the use of exogenous C1P on cells to observe lipid specific effects on a particular biology are also detailed.

Ceramide 1-phosphate stimulates macrophage proliferation through activation of the PI3-kinase/PKB, JNK and ERK1/2 pathways

Ceramide 1-phosphate (C1P) was first shown to be mitogenic for fibroblasts, but the mechanisms whereby it stimulated cell proliferation have remained largely unknown. Here we demonstrate that C1P stimulates DNA synthesis and cell division in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages. C1P caused rapid phosphorylation of protein kinase B (PKB, also known as Akt), a downstream target of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K). Selective inhibition of PI3-K blocked both DNA synthesis and cell growth. C1P induced phosphorylation of GSK-3beta, which is a major target of PKB, and this effect was also abolished by inhibition of PI3-K. In addition, C1P upregulated the expression of cyclin D1 and c-Myc, two major targets of GSK-3beta, which are important regulators of cell proliferation. C1P stimulated the activity of NF-kappaB, and inhibitors of this transcription factor completely blocked macrophage proliferation. Lastly, C1P induced phosphorylation of the mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) extracellularly regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Inhibition of ERK1/2 and JNK also blocked C1P-induced macrophage proliferation. It can be concluded that C1P stimulates macrophage proliferation through activation of the PI3-K/PKB, ERK and JNK pathways, and that GSK-3beta, c-Myc, cyclin D1, and NF-kappaB are important downstream effectors in this action.

Regulation and traffic of ceramide 1-phosphate produced by ceramide kinase: comparative analysis to glucosylceramide and sphingomyelin

Ceramide 1-phosphate (C1P) has been characterized as a sphingolipid that participates in cell signaling. Although C1P synthesis is thought to occur via phosphorylation of ceramide by ceramide kinase (CerK), the processes that regulate C1P formation and fate remain largely unknown. In this study we analyzed bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) from CerK-null mice (Cerk(-/-)) and found significant levels of C1P, suggesting that previously unrecognized pathways may also lead to C1P formation. After these experiments we used an overexpression system, BMDM from Cerk(-/-) mice, and short-chain fluorescent ceramides to trace CerK-dependent formation of C1P. Because the ceramide analogs can also be converted to glucosylceramide (GlcCer) and sphingomyelin (SM), they allowed us to directly compare all three metabolites. We found that C1P produced by CerK is turned over rapidly when serum is removed or upon calcium chelation, whereas GlcCer and SM are stable under these conditions. We further demonstrated that ceramide must be transported to the Golgi complex to be phosphorylated by CerK. Inhibition of the ceramide transfer protein slowed down SM formation without decreasing C1P, suggesting an alternate route of ceramide transport. Other experiments indicated that, like GlcCer and SM, C1P traffics along the secretory pathway to reach the plasma membrane. Furthermore, in BMDM C1P was secreted more readily than was GlcCer or SM. Altogether, our results indicate that CerK is essential to C1P formation via phosphorylation of Cer, providing the first insights into mechanisms underlying ceramide access to CerK and C1P trafficking as well as clarifying C1P as a signaling entity.

Adenovirus type 5 exerts multiple effects on the expression and activity of cytosolic phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenase-2, and prostaglandin synthesis

In this study, we examine how infection of murine and human fibroblasts by adenovirus (Ad) serotype 5 (Ad5) affects the expression and activity of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and production of PGs. Our experiments showed that infection with Ad5 is accompanied by the rapid activation of cPLA2 and the cPLA2-dependent release of [3H]arachidonic acid ([3H]AA). Increased expression of COX-2 was also observed after Ad infection, as was production of PGE2 and PGI2. Later, however, as the infection progressed, release of [3H]AA and production of PGs stopped. Late-stage Ad5-infected cells also did not release [3H]AA or PGs following treatment with a panel of biologically diverse agents. Experiments with UV-inactivated virus confirmed that Ad infection is accompanied by the activation of a host-dependent response that is later inhibited by the virus. Investigations of the mechanism of suppression of the PG pathway by Ad5 did not reveal major effects on the expression or activity of cPLA2 or COX-2. We did note a change in the intracellular position of cPLA2 and found that cPLA2 did not translocate normally in infected cells, raising the possibility that Ad5 interferes with the PG pathway by interfering with the intracellular movement of cPLA2. Taken together, these data reveal dynamic interactions between Ad5 and the lipid mediator pathways of the host and highlight a novel mechanism by which Ad5 evades the host immune response. In addition, our results offer insight into the inflammatory response induced by many Ad vectors lacking early region gene products.

The generation and behavioral analysis of ceramide kinase-null mice, indicating a function in cerebellar Purkinje cells

The discovery of ceramide kinase (CerK), which phosphorylates ceramide (Cer) to ceramide 1-phisphate (C1P), established a new pathway for Cer metabolism. Among mouse tissues, brain contains the highest CerK activity. In this study, we found that CerK is highly expressed in cerebellar Purkinje cells. Since Purkinje cells are important for motor-related behaviors, we generated CerK-null mice and performed behavioral analyses. The CerK-null mice were healthy, and displayed no histological abnormalities. The mice lost CerK activity completely, suggesting that CerK is the only enzyme that phosphorylate Cer. However, cellular C1P levels were not different between the CerK-null and wild-type mice, indicating the presence of other C1P-producing pathway. The general motor-coordination was not impaired in the CerK-null mice, but emotional behavior was slightly affected. Our findings suggest that CerK is not necessary for survival at an individual level, but might be involved in higher brain function related to emotion.

Interactions between neural membrane glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid mediators: A recipe for neural cell survival or suicide

The neural membranes contain phospholipids, sphingolipids, cholesterol, and proteins. Glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids are precursors for lipid mediators involved in signal transduction processes. Degradation of glycerophospholipids by phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) generates arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA). Arachidonic acid is metabolized to eicosanoids and DHA is metabolized to docosanoids. The catabolism of glycosphingolipids generates ceramide, ceramide 1-phosphate, sphingosine, and sphingosine 1-phosphate. These metabolites modulate PLA(2) activity. Arachidonic acid, a product derived from glycerophospholipid catabolism by PLA(2), modulates sphingomyelinase (SMase), the enzyme that generates ceramide and phosphocholine. Furthermore, sphingosine 1-phosphate modulates cyclooxygenase, an enzyme responsible for eicosanoid production in brain. This suggests that an interplay and cross talk occurs between lipid mediators of glycerophospholipid and glycosphingolipid metabolism in brain tissue. This interplay between metabolites of glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid metabolism may play an important role in initiation and maintenance of oxidative stress associated with neurologic disorders as well as in neural cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Recent studies indicate that PLA(2) and SMase inhibitors can be used as neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic agents. Development of novel inhibitors of PLA(2) and SMase may be useful for the treatment of oxidative stress, and apoptosis associated with neurologic disorders such as stroke, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, and head and spinal cord injuries.

Ceramide kinase uses ceramide provided by ceramide transport protein: localization to organelles of eicosanoid synthesis

Ceramide kinase (CERK) is a critical mediator of eicosanoid synthesis, and its product, ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P), is required for the production of prostaglandins in response to several inflammatory agonists. In this study, mass spectrometry analysis disclosed that the main forms of C1P in cells were C(16:0) C1P and C(18:0) C1P, suggesting that CERK uses ceramide transported to the trans-Golgi apparatus by ceramide transport protein (CERT). To this end, downregulation of CERT by RNA interference technology dramatically reduced the levels of newly synthesized C1P (kinase-derived) as well as significantly reduced the total mass levels of C1P in cells. Confocal microscopy, subcellular fractionation, and surface plasmon resonance analysis were used to further localize CERK to the trans-Golgi network, placing the generation of C1P in the proper intracellular location for the recruitment of cytosolic phospholipase A(2)alpha. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that CERK localizes to areas of eicosanoid synthesis and uses a ceramide "pool" transported in an active manner via CERT.

Metabolism and biological functions of two phosphorylated sphingolipids, sphingosine 1-phosphate and ceramide 1-phosphate

Sphingolipids are major lipid constituents of the eukaryotic plasma membrane. Without certain sphingolipids, cells and/or embryos cannot survive, indicating that sphingolipids possess important physiological functions that are not substituted for by other lipids. One such role may be signaling. Recent studies have revealed that some sphingolipid metabolites, such as long-chain bases (LCBs; sphingosine (Sph) in mammals), long-chain base 1-phosphates (LCBPs; sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) in mammals), ceramide (Cer), and ceramide 1-phosphate (C1P), act as signaling molecules. The addition of phosphate groups to LCB/Sph and Cer generates LCBP/S1P and C1P, respectively. These phospholipids exhibit completely different functions than those of their precursors. In this review, we describe recent advances in understanding the functions of LCBP/S1P and C1P in mammals and in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Since LCB/Sph, LCBP/S1P, Cer, and C1P are mutually convertible, regulation of not only the total amount of the each lipid but also of the overall balance in cellular levels is important. Therefore, we describe in detail their metabolic pathways, as well as the genes involved in each reaction.

Enhanced ceramide-induced apoptosis in ceramide kinase overexpressing cells

We evaluated how increased levels of ceramide kinase (CerK) would impact the growth of COS-1 fibroblasts and RBL-2H3 basophils. The low CerK activity in these cells was strongly up-regulated upon recombinant expression of CerK. CerK-overexpressing COS-1 cells depended on higher concentrations of serum for their growth and displayed many filipodia. The two CerK-overexpressing cell lines were more sensitive to C2-ceramide-mediated apoptosis, and this correlated with the production of C2-ceramide-1-phosphate by CerK. This study indicates that ceramide kinase may participate in the control of cell growth, and establishes a novel assay that will be valuable for testing ceramide kinase inhibitors.

Identification of Small Molecule Ceramide Kinase Inhibitors Using A Homogeneous Chemiluminescence High Throughput Assay

Lipid kinases have emerged as potentially important therapeutic targets in oncology and inflammation. Ceramide kinase (CERK) is a lipid kinase that catalyzes the formation of ceramide-1-phosphate from ceramide, a sphingolipid that is a key mediator of cellular apoptosis. Ceramide-1-phosphate has been shown to enhance the production of pro-inflammatory eicosonoids, to promote cell proliferation, and potentially to reduce intracellular ceramide levels by inhibition of acidic sphingomyelinases. Here we describe a homogeneous chemiluminescence assay that directly measures the ceramide-dependent ATP depletion by recombinant full-length human CERK. As compared to reported CERK assays that have limitations on compound throughput, the chemiluminescence assay has been miniaturized to a 1,536-well microtiter plate format and utilized to screen an ultra-large compound library (>4 million compounds). Multiple chemical scaffolds have been identified as CERK kinase inhibitors and characterized mechanistically, which to our knowledge represent the first known small molecule CERK inhibitors with nanomolar activities. These compounds can serve as tools to further elucidate the CERK pathway and its role in ceramide metabolism and human diseases.

DNA polymerase beta catalytic efficiency mirrors the Asn279-dCTP H-bonding strength

Ternary complexes of wild type or mutant form of human DNA polymerase beta (pol beta) bound to DNA and dCTP substrates were studied by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The occurrences of contact configurations (CC) of structurally important atom pairs were sampled along the MD trajectories, and converted into free-energy differences, DeltaG(CC). DeltaG(CC) values were correlated with the experimental binding and catalytic free energies for the wild type pol beta and its Arg183Ala, Tyr271Ala, Asp276Val, Lys280Gly, Arg283Ala, and Glu295Ala mutants. The correlation coefficients show that the strength of the H-bond between dCTP and Asn279 is a strong predictor of the mutation-induced changes in the catalytic efficiency of pol beta. This finding is consistent with the view that enzyme preorganization plays a major role in controlling DNA polymerase specific activity.

A critical beta6-beta7 loop in the pleckstrin homology domain of ceramide kinase

CerK (ceramide kinase) produces ceramide 1-phosphate, a sphingophospholipid with recognized signalling properties. It localizes to the Golgi complex and fractionates essentially between detergent-soluble and -insoluble fractions; however, the determinants are unknown. Here, we made a detailed mutagenesis study of the N-terminal PH domain (pleckstrin homology domain) of CerK, based on modelling, and identified key positively charged amino acid residues within an unusual motif in the loop interconnecting beta-strands 6 and 7. These residues are critical for CerK membrane association and polyphosphoinositide binding and activity. Their mutagenesis results in increased thermolability, sensitivity to proteolysis, reduced apparent molecular mass as well as propensity of the recombinant mutant protein to aggregate, indicating that this loop impacts the overall conformation of the CerK protein. This is in contrast with most PH domains whose function strongly relies on charges located in the beta1-beta2 loop.

Effects of ceramide-1-phosphate on cultured cells: dependence on dodecane in the vehicle

Ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P), the product of ceramide kinase, is a sphingophospholipid with recently recognized signaling properties. In particular, it was reported to be mitogenic and capable of direct stimulation of cytosolic phospholipase A(2alpha). Much of the present knowledge has relied on the use of C1P of various acyl chain lengths, together with diverse protocols to deliver it to cultured cells. A mixture of ethanol (or methanol) with dodecane, as the vehicle, has become popular. However, the contribution of this solvent to the observed effects of C1P has not been documented. Here, we show that addition of C1P in ethanol-dodecane to culture medium leads to irreversible cytotoxic effects. These culminate in mitochondrial swelling, vacuole formation, and cell death. Not only the toxicity of C1P, but also its ability to trigger prostaglandin E2 release, is fully dependent upon addition of a premade C1P-dodecane mixture. Furthermore, we show that these effects are not restricted to C1P. They result from the capacity of dodecane to interact with phospholipids; hence, they go undetected with a vehicle control. This study should raise awareness about the use of dodecane for phospholipid delivery and, in turn, help in unraveling C1P signaling, which is still poorly understood.

Interaction of human 15-lipoxygenase-1 with phosphatidylinositol bisphosphates results in increased enzyme activity

15-lipoxygenase-1 (15-LO-1) can oxygenate both free fatty acids and fatty acids bound to membrane phospholipids. The regulation of the activity of membrane associated 15-LO-1 is poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that calcium ionophore stimulates the translocation of 15-LO-1 to the plasma membrane in human dendritic cells. In a protein-lipid overlay assay, 15-LO-1 was capable of interacting with several phosphoinositides. In the presence of calcium, addition of phosphatidylinositol-4.5-bisphosphate (PI(4.5)P(2)) or PI(3.4)P(2) to the vesicles containing arachidonic acid, led to the formation of approximately three times more 15-HETE than vesicles without phosphoinositides and up to seven times more 15-HETE than vesicles without both calcium and phosphoinositides. The Vmax was unchanged but the apparent Km of 15-LO-1 towards arachidonic acid was significantly lower in the presence of PI(4.5)P(2) or PI(3.4)P(2) in the vesicles in comparison to vesicles with PC only. Taken together, this report demonstrates that human 15-LO-1 binds to PI(4.5)P(2) and PI(3.4)P(2) and that these phospholipids stimulate enzyme activity in the presence of calcium in a vesicle based assay.

Ceramides and other bioactive sphingolipid backbones in health and disease: lipidomic analysis, metabolism and roles in membrane structure, dynamics, signaling and autophagy

Sphingolipids are comprised of a backbone sphingoid base that may be phosphorylated, acylated, glycosylated, bridged to various headgroups through phosphodiester linkages, or otherwise modified. Organisms usually contain large numbers of sphingolipid subspecies and knowledge about the types and amounts is imperative because they influence membrane structure, interactions with the extracellular matrix and neighboring cells, vesicular traffic and the formation of specialized structures such as phagosomes and autophagosomes, as well as participate in intracellular and extracellular signaling. Fortunately, "sphingolipidomic" analysis is becoming feasible (at least for important subsets such as all of the backbone "signaling" subspecies: ceramides, ceramide 1-phosphates, sphingoid bases, sphingoid base 1-phosphates, inter alia) using mass spectrometry, and these profiles are revealing many surprises, such as that under certain conditions cells contain significant amounts of "unusual" species: N-mono-, di-, and tri-methyl-sphingoid bases (including N,N-dimethylsphingosine); 3-ketodihydroceramides; N-acetyl-sphingoid bases (C2-ceramides); and dihydroceramides, in the latter case, in very high proportions when cells are treated with the anticancer drug fenretinide (4-hydroxyphenylretinamide). The elevation of DHceramides by fenretinide is befuddling because the 4,5-trans-double bond of ceramide has been thought to be required for biological activity; however, DHceramides induce autophagy and may be important in the regulation of this important cellular process. The complexity of the sphingolipidome is hard to imagine, but one hopes that, when partnered with other systems biology approaches, the causes and consequences of the complexity will explain how these intriguing compounds are involved in almost every aspect of cell behavior and the malfunctions of many diseases.

Effects of sphingosine-1-phosphate and ceramide-1-phosphate on rat intestinal smooth muscle cells: implications for postoperative ileus

Postoperative ileus, a major cause of morbidity after abdominal surgery, is characterized by intestinal dysmotility and inflammation. The aim was to investigate the involvement of sphingolipids in postoperative intestinal inflammation using a standardized rat model of intestinal surgical manipulation. Sphingolipid analysis (ESI-MS) of intestinal muscularis after manipulation revealed a time-dependent increase of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) and of ceramide 1-phosphate (C1P). We therefore established a culture system of primary rat intestinal smooth muscle cells and examined the potential role of these sphingolipids in intestinal inflammation. Incubation of cells with either of the two sphingolipid-phosphates resulted in an elevated production of PGE(2). Further analysis revealed that S1P enhances cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) expression whereas C1P increases release of arachidonic acid, indicating an enhanced phospholipase A(2) activity. S1P-induced COX-2 expression was pertussis toxin sensitive, suggesting the involvement of Gi/o protein-coupled S1P receptors. Further downstream mediators of S1P induced COX-2 expression appear to be extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Collectively, our results demonstrate that intestinal smooth muscle cells represent a major target for both C1P and S1P activity. Thus, the sustained elevated concentration of the two bioactive sphingolipids in this tissue could at least in part explain postoperative intestinal dysmotility.

Bioactive sphingolipids in the modulation of the inflammatory response

Inflammation is viewed as a protective response against insults to the organism. It involves the recruitment of many cell types and the production of various inflammatory mediators in attempts to contain and reverse the insult. However, inflammation can lead to irreversible tissue destruction by itself and, therefore, can represent a disease state that causes significant morbidity and mortality. Understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling the inflammatory response is essential to formulate therapeutic strategies for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. In fact, substantial research has unveiled important aspects of the inflammatory machinery, both at the cellular and molecular levels. Recently, sphingolipids (SLs) have emerged as signaling molecules that regulate many cell functions, and ample evidence emphasizes their role in the regulation of inflammatory responses. Here, we review the role of bioactive SL as regulators and mediators of inflammatory responses.

Identification of a nuclear localization signal in the retinitis pigmentosa-mutated RP26 protein, ceramide kinase-like protein

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a genetically heterogeneous disease characterized by degeneration of the retina. A mutation in a new ceramide kinase (CERK) homologous gene, named CERK-like protein (CERKL), was found to cause autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (RP26). Here, we show a point mutation of one of two putative nuclear localization signal (NLS) sequences inhibited the nuclear localization of the protein. Furthermore, the tetra-GFP-tagged NLS, which cannot passively enter the nucleus, was observed not only in the nucleus but also in the nucleolus. Our results provide the first evidence of the active nuclear import of CERKL and suggest that the identified NLS might be responsible for nucleolar retention of the protein. As recent studies have shown other RP-related proteins are localized in the nucleus or the nucleolus, our identification of NLS in CERKL suggests that CERKL likely plays important roles for retinal functions in the nucleus and the nucleolus.

Ceramide 1-phosphate/ceramide, a switch between life and death

Ceramide is a well-characterized sphingolipid metabolite and second messenger that participates in numerous biological processes. In addition to serving as a precursor to complex sphingolipids, ceramide is a potent signaling molecule capable of regulating vital cellular functions. Perhaps its major role in signal transduction is to induce cell cycle arrest, and promote apoptosis. In contrast, little is known about the metabolic or signaling pathways that are regulated by the phosphorylated form of ceramide. It was first demonstrated that ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P) had mitogenic properties, and more recently it has been described as potent inhibitor of apoptosis and inducer of cell survival. C1P and ceramide are antagonistic molecules that can be interconverted in cells by kinase and phosphatase activities. An appropriate balance between the levels of these two metabolites seems to be crucial for cell and tissue homeostasis. Switching this balance towards accumulation of one or the other may result in metabolic dysfunction, or disease. Therefore, the activity of the enzymes that are involved in C1P and ceramide metabolism must be efficiently coordinated to ensure normal cell functioning.

The interaction between the pleckstrin homology domain of ceramide kinase and phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate regulates the plasma membrane targeting and ceramide 1-phosphate levels

Ceramide kinase (CERK) converts ceramide to ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P), which has recently emerged as a new bioactive molecule capable of regulating diverse cellular functions. The N-terminus of the CERK protein encompasses a sequence motif known as a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. Although the PH domain was previously demonstrated to be an important domain for the subcellular localization of CERK, the precise properties of this domain remained unclear. In this study, we reveal that the PH domain of CERK exhibits high affinity for phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P(2)), among other lipids. Furthermore, in COS7 cells, GFP-fused CERK translocated rapidly from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane in response to hyper-osmotic stress, which is known to increase the intracellular PI(4,5)P(2) levels, whereas a PH domain deletion mutant did not. Additionally, in [(32)P]orthophosphate-labeled COS7 cells, the translocation of CERK to the plasma membrane induced a 2.8-fold increase in C1P levels. The study presented here provides insight into the crucial role of the CERK-PH domain in plasma membrane targeting, through its binding to PI(4,5)P(2), and subsequent induction of C1P production in the vicinity of the membrane.