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Merz N, Hartel JC, Grösch S. How ceramides affect the development of colon cancer: from normal colon to carcinoma. Pflugers Arch 2024:10.1007/s00424-024-02960-x. [PMID: 38635059 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-024-02960-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
The integrity of the colon and the development of colon cancer depend on the sphingolipid balance in colon epithelial cells. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on how ceramides and their complex derivatives influence normal colon development and colon cancer development. Ceramides, glucosylceramides and sphingomyelin are essential membrane components and, due to their biophysical properties, can influence the activation of membrane proteins, affecting protein-protein interactions and downstream signalling pathways. Here, we review the cellular mechanisms known to be affected by ceramides and their effects on colon development. We also describe which ceramides are deregulated during colorectal carcinogenesis, the molecular mechanisms involved in ceramide deregulation and how this affects carcinogenesis. Finally, we review new methods that are now state of the art for studying lipid-protein interactions in the physiological environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Merz
- Goethe-University Frankfurt, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jennifer Christina Hartel
- Goethe-University Frankfurt, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sabine Grösch
- Goethe-University Frankfurt, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt, Germany.
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596, Frankfurt Am Main, Germany.
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Jamjoum R, Majumder S, Issleny B, Stiban J. Mysterious sphingolipids: metabolic interrelationships at the center of pathophysiology. Front Physiol 2024; 14:1229108. [PMID: 38235387 PMCID: PMC10791800 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1229108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic pathways are complex and intertwined. Deficiencies in one or more enzymes in a given pathway are directly linked with genetic diseases, most of them having devastating manifestations. The metabolic pathways undertaken by sphingolipids are diverse and elaborate with ceramide species serving as the hubs of sphingolipid intermediary metabolism and function. Sphingolipids are bioactive lipids that serve a multitude of cellular functions. Being pleiotropic in function, deficiency or overproduction of certain sphingolipids is associated with many genetic and chronic diseases. In this up-to-date review article, we strive to gather recent scientific evidence about sphingolipid metabolism, its enzymes, and regulation. We shed light on the importance of sphingolipid metabolism in a variety of genetic diseases and in nervous and immune system ailments. This is a comprehensive review of the state of the field of sphingolipid biochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rama Jamjoum
- Department of Pharmacy, Birzeit University, West Bank, Palestine
| | - Saurav Majumder
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Batoul Issleny
- Department of Pharmacy, Birzeit University, West Bank, Palestine
| | - Johnny Stiban
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Birzeit University, West Bank, Palestine
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Jeon S, Scorletti E, Dempsey J, Buyco D, Lin C, Saiman Y, Bayen S, Harkin J, Martin J, Hooks R, Ogretmen B, Argemi J, Melo L, Bataller R, Carr RM. Ceramide synthase 6 (CerS6) is upregulated in alcohol-associated liver disease and exhibits sex-based differences in the regulation of energy homeostasis and lipid droplet accumulation. Mol Metab 2023; 78:101804. [PMID: 37714377 PMCID: PMC10561121 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) is the leading cause of liver-related mortality worldwide. Current strategies to manage ALD focus largely on advanced stage disease, however, metabolic changes such as glucose intolerance are apparent at the earliest stage of alcoholic steatosis and increase the risk of disease progression. Ceramides impair insulin signaling and accumulate in ALD, and metabolic pathways involving ceramide synthase 6 (CerS6) are perturbed in ALD during hepatic steatosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of CerS6 in ALD development and the relevance of CerS6 to human ALD. METHODS C57BL/6 WT and CerS6 KO mice of both sexes were fed either a Lieber-DeCarli control (CON) or 15% ethanol (EtOH) diet for six weeks. In vivo metabolic tests including glucose and insulin tolerance tests (GTT and ITT) and energy expenditure were performed. The mice were euthanized, and serum and liver lipids and liver histology were examined. For in vitro studies, CerS6 was deleted in human hepatocytes, VL17A and cells were incubated with EtOH and/or C16:0-ceramides. RNAseq analysis was performed in livers from mice and human patients with different stages of ALD and diseased controls. RESULTS After six weeks on an EtOH diet, CerS6 KO mice had reduced body weight, food intake, and %fat mass compared to WT mice. Energy expenditure increased in both male and female KO mice, however, was only statistically significant in male mice. In response to EtOH, WT mice developed mild hepatic steatosis, while steatosis was ameliorated in KO mice as determined by H&E and ORO staining. KO mice showed significantly decreased long-chain ceramide species, especially C16:0-ceramides, in the serum and liver tissues compared to WT mice. CerS6 deletion decreased serum TG and NEFA only in male not female mice. CerS6 deletion improved glucose tolerance and insulin resistance in EtOH-fed mice of both sexes. RNAseq analysis revealed that 74 genes are significantly upregulated and 66 genes are downregulated by CerS6 deletion in EtOH-fed male mice, with key network pathways including TG biosynthetic process, positive regulation of lipid localization, and fat cell differentiation. Similar to RNAseq results, absence of CerS6 significantly decreased mRNA expression of lipid droplet associated proteins in EtOH-fed mice. In vitro, EtOH stimulation significantly increased PLIN2 protein expression in VL17A cells while CerS6 deletion inhibited EtOH-mediated PLIN2 upregulation. C16:0-ceramide treatment significantly increased PLIN2 protein expression compared to CON. Notably, progression of ALD in humans was associated with increased hepatic CerS6 expression. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that CerS6 deletion improves glucose homeostasis in alcohol-fed mice and exhibits sex-based differences in the attenuation of EtOH-induced weight gain and hepatic steatosis. Additionally, we unveil that CerS6 plays a major role as a regulator of lipid droplet biogenesis in alcohol-induced intra-hepatic lipid droplet formation, identifying it as a putative target for early ALD management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sookyoung Jeon
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Food Science & Nutrition and the Korean Institute of Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Eleonora Scorletti
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joseph Dempsey
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Delfin Buyco
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Chelsea Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yedidya Saiman
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hepatology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Susovon Bayen
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Julia Harkin
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jasmin Martin
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Royce Hooks
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Besim Ogretmen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Josepmaria Argemi
- Center for Liver Diseases, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Luma Melo
- Center for Liver Diseases, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ramon Bataller
- Center for Liver Diseases, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rotonya M Carr
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
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Ren L, Li F, Tan X, Fan Y, Ke B, Zhang Y, Jiang H, Jia L, Wang Y, Du J. Abnormal plasma ceramides refine high-risk patients with worsening heart failure. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1185595. [PMID: 37456812 PMCID: PMC10339027 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1185595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Worsening heart failure (WHF) is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome with poor prognosis. More effective risk stratification tools are required to identify high-risk patients. Evidence suggest that aberrant ceramide accumulation can be affected by heart failure risk factors and as a driver of tissue damage. We hypothesized that specific ceramide lengths and ratios serve as biomarkers for risk stratification in WHF patients by reflecting pathological changes of distinct organ dysfunctions. Medthods We measured seven plasma ceramides using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in 1,558 patients, including 1,262 participants in retrospective discovery set and 296 WHF patients in prospective validation set in BIOMS-HF study (Registry Study of Biomarkers in Heart Failure). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to identify associations of ceramides with organ dysfunctions. Results We constructed three ceramide-based scores linked independently to heart, liver, and kidney dysfunction, with ceramides and ratios included in each score specifying systemic inflammation, chronic metabolic disorder, and water-sodium retention. The combined ceramide heart failure score (CHFS) was independently associated with adverse outcomes [Hazard Ratio, 2.80 (95% CI: 1.78-4.40; P < 0.001); 2.68 995% CI: 1.12-6.46; P = 0.028)] and improved the predictive value of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure National Registry score and BNP [net reclassification index, 0.34 (95% confidence interval, CI: 0.19-0.50); 0.42 (95% CI: 0.13-0.70)] in the discovery and validation set, respectively. Lower BNP levels, but higher CHFS had the highest hazard of future adverse events in WHF patients. Conclusion Abnormal plasma ceramides, associated with heart and peripheral organ dysfunctions, provide incremental prognostic information over the ADHERE score and brain natriuretic peptide concentration for risk stratification in WHF patients. This may facilitate the reclassification of high-risk patients in need of aggressive therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Ren
- Beijing Collaborative Innovation Centre for Cardiovascular Disorders, The Key Laboratory of Remodeling-Related Cardiovascular Disease, Ministry of Education, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing lnstitute of Heart, Lung, and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fengjuan Li
- Beijing Collaborative Innovation Centre for Cardiovascular Disorders, The Key Laboratory of Remodeling-Related Cardiovascular Disease, Ministry of Education, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing lnstitute of Heart, Lung, and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Tan
- Beijing Collaborative Innovation Centre for Cardiovascular Disorders, The Key Laboratory of Remodeling-Related Cardiovascular Disease, Ministry of Education, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing lnstitute of Heart, Lung, and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yangkai Fan
- Beijing Collaborative Innovation Centre for Cardiovascular Disorders, The Key Laboratory of Remodeling-Related Cardiovascular Disease, Ministry of Education, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing lnstitute of Heart, Lung, and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bingbing Ke
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yixin Zhang
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munchen (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Hongfeng Jiang
- Beijing Collaborative Innovation Centre for Cardiovascular Disorders, The Key Laboratory of Remodeling-Related Cardiovascular Disease, Ministry of Education, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing lnstitute of Heart, Lung, and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lixin Jia
- Beijing Collaborative Innovation Centre for Cardiovascular Disorders, The Key Laboratory of Remodeling-Related Cardiovascular Disease, Ministry of Education, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing lnstitute of Heart, Lung, and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Beijing Collaborative Innovation Centre for Cardiovascular Disorders, The Key Laboratory of Remodeling-Related Cardiovascular Disease, Ministry of Education, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing lnstitute of Heart, Lung, and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Du
- Beijing Collaborative Innovation Centre for Cardiovascular Disorders, The Key Laboratory of Remodeling-Related Cardiovascular Disease, Ministry of Education, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing lnstitute of Heart, Lung, and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Rahimi S, Angaji SA, Majd A, Hatami B, Baghaei K. Evaluating the effect of basic fibroblast growth factor on the progression of NASH disease by inhibiting ceramide synthesis and ER stress-related pathways. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 942:175536. [PMID: 36693552 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is associated with intrahepatic lipid accumulation, inflammation, and hepatocyte death. Several studies have indicated that high-fat diets increase ceramide synthases-6 (CerS-6) expression and a concomitant elevation of C16-ceramides, which can modulate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and further contribute to the progression of NASH. Ceramide levels have reportedly been impacted by basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in various diseases. This study looked into the role of bFGF on CerS6/C16-ceramide and ER stress-related pathways in a mouse model of NASH. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a western diet (WD) combined with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for eight weeks. Next, bFGF was injected into the NASH mice for seven days of continuous treatment. The effects of bFGF on NASH endpoints (including steatosis, inflammation, ballooning, and fibrosis), ceramide levels and ER-stress-induced inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and apoptosis were evaluated. Treatment with bFGF significantly reduced CerS-6/C16-ceramide. Further, the inflammatory condition was alleviated with reduction of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) gene expression. ROS level was also reduced. ER stress-related cell death diminished by reducing C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) mRNA expression and caspase 3 activity. Furthermore, activation of the hepatic stellate cells was inhibited in the bFGF-treated mice by lowering the amount of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) at the mRNA and protein level. According to our findings, CerS-6/C16-ceramide alteration impacts ER stress-mediated inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. The bFGF treatment effectively attenuated the development of NASH by downregulating CerS-6/C16-ceramide and subsequent ER stress-related pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahrzad Rahimi
- Department of Genetic, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, 1651153311, Iran
| | - Seyyed Abdolhamid Angaji
- Department of Genetic, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, 1651153311, Iran; Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Science, Kharazmi University, Tehran, 1571914911, Iran
| | - Ahmad Majd
- Department of Biology, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, 1651153311, Iran
| | - Behzad Hatami
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1985717413, Iran
| | - Kaveh Baghaei
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1985717413, Iran; Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1985717413, Iran.
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Qian X, Srinivasan T, He J, Chen R. The Role of Ceramide in Inherited Retinal Disease Pathology. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1415:303-307. [PMID: 37440049 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-27681-1_44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Ceramide (Cer) plays an essential role in photoreceptor cell death in the retina. On the one hand, Cer accumulation emerges as a common feature during retina neurodegeneration, leading to the death of photoreceptors. On the other hand, Cer deficiency has also recently been associated with retinal dysfunction and degeneration. Although more and more evidence supports the importance of maintaining Cer homeostasis in the retina, mechanistic explanations of the observed phenotypes, especially in the context of Cer deficiency, are still lacking. An enhanced understanding of Cer's role in the retina will help us explore the underlying molecular basis for clinical phenotypes of retinal dystrophies and provide us with potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinye Qian
- Verna and Marrs McLean Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | | | | | - Rui Chen
- Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Sandhoff R, Sandhoff K. Neuronal Ganglioside and Glycosphingolipid (GSL) Metabolism and Disease : Cascades of Secondary Metabolic Errors Can Generate Complex Pathologies (in LSDs). ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 29:333-390. [PMID: 36255681 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-12390-0_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are a diverse group of membrane components occurring mainly on the surfaces of mammalian cells. They and their metabolites have a role in intercellular communication, serving as versatile biochemical signals (Kaltner et al, Biochem J 476(18):2623-2655, 2019) and in many cellular pathways. Anionic GSLs, the sialic acid containing gangliosides (GGs), are essential constituents of neuronal cell surfaces, whereas anionic sulfatides are key components of myelin and myelin forming oligodendrocytes. The stepwise biosynthetic pathways of GSLs occur at and lead along the membranes of organellar surfaces of the secretory pathway. After formation of the hydrophobic ceramide membrane anchor of GSLs at the ER, membrane-spanning glycosyltransferases (GTs) of the Golgi and Trans-Golgi network generate cell type-specific GSL patterns for cellular surfaces. GSLs of the cellular plasma membrane can reach intra-lysosomal, i.e. luminal, vesicles (ILVs) by endocytic pathways for degradation. Soluble glycoproteins, the glycosidases, lipid binding and transfer proteins and acid ceramidase are needed for the lysosomal catabolism of GSLs at ILV-membrane surfaces. Inherited mutations triggering a functional loss of glycosylated lysosomal hydrolases and lipid binding proteins involved in GSL degradation cause a primary lysosomal accumulation of their non-degradable GSL substrates in lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs). Lipid binding proteins, the SAPs, and the various lipids of the ILV-membranes regulate GSL catabolism, but also primary storage compounds such as sphingomyelin (SM), cholesterol (Chol.), or chondroitin sulfate can effectively inhibit catabolic lysosomal pathways of GSLs. This causes cascades of metabolic errors, accumulating secondary lysosomal GSL- and GG- storage that can trigger a complex pathology (Breiden and Sandhoff, Int J Mol Sci 21(7):2566, 2020).
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Sandhoff
- Lipid Pathobiochemistry Group, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Konrad Sandhoff
- LIMES, c/o Kekule-Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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Blok LER, Boon M, van Reijmersdal B, Höffler KD, Fenckova M, Schenck A. Genetics, molecular control and clinical relevance of habituation learning. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 143:104883. [PMID: 36152842 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Habituation is the most fundamental form of learning. As a firewall that protects our brain from sensory overload, it is indispensable for cognitive processes. Studies in humans and animal models provide increasing evidence that habituation is affected in autism and related monogenic neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). An integrated application of habituation assessment in NDDs and their animal models has unexploited potential for neuroscience and medical care. With the aim to gain mechanistic insights, we systematically retrieved genes that have been demonstrated in the literature to underlie habituation. We identified 258 evolutionarily conserved genes across species, describe the biological processes they converge on, and highlight regulatory pathways and drugs that may alleviate habituation deficits. We also summarize current habituation paradigms and extract the most decisive arguments that support the crucial role of habituation for cognition in health and disease. We conclude that habituation is a conserved, quantitative, cognition- and disease-relevant process that can connect preclinical and clinical work, and hence is a powerful tool to advance research, diagnostics, and treatment of NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Elisabeth Rosalie Blok
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Marina Boon
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Boyd van Reijmersdal
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Kira Daniela Höffler
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Michaela Fenckova
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, Branisovska 31, 37005, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic.
| | - Annette Schenck
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 10, 6525GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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Kim J, Pewzner-Jung Y, Joseph T, Ben-Dor S, Futerman AH. Generation of a ceramide synthase 6 mouse lacking the DDRSDIE C-terminal motif. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271675. [PMID: 35849604 PMCID: PMC9292091 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The important membrane lipid, ceramide, is generated by a family of homologous enzymes, the ceramide synthases (CerSs), multi-spanning membrane proteins located in the endoplasmic reticulum. Six CerS isoforms exist in mammals with each using a subset of acyl-CoAs for (dihydro)ceramide synthesis. A number of mice have been generated in which one or other CerS has been genetically manipulated, including complete knock-outs, with each displaying phenotypes concomitant with the expression levels of the CerS in question and the presumed biological function of the ceramide species that it generates. We recently described a short C-terminal motif in the CerS which is involved in CerS dimer formation; deleting this motif had no effect on the ability of the CerS to synthesize ceramide in vitro. In the current study, we generated a CerS6 mouse using CRISPR-Cas9, in which the DDRSDIE motif was replaced by ADAAAIA. While levels of CerS6ADAAAIA expression were unaffected in the CerS6ADAAAIA mouse, and CerS6ADAAAIA was able to generate C16-ceramide in vitro, ceramide levels were significantly reduced in the CerS6ADAAAIA mouse, suggesting that replacing this motif affects an as-yet unknown mechanism of regulation of ceramide synthesis via the DDRSDIE motif in vivo. Crossing CerS6ADAAAIA mice with CerS5 null mice led to generation of viable mice in which C16-ceramide levels were reduced by up to 90%, suggesting that depletion of C16-ceramide levels is compensated for by other ceramide species with different acyl chain lengths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyoon Kim
- Department Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yael Pewzner-Jung
- Department Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tammar Joseph
- Department Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shifra Ben-Dor
- Life Sciences Core Facilities, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Anthony H. Futerman
- Department Biomolecular Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
- * E-mail:
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Ceramide synthase 6 impacts T-cell allogeneic response and graft-versus-host disease through regulating N-RAS/ERK pathway. Leukemia 2022; 36:1907-1915. [PMID: 35513703 PMCID: PMC9256768 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-022-01581-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is an effective immunotherapy for various hematologic malignances, predominantly through potent graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect. However, the mortality after allo-HCT is because of relapse of primary malignancy and followed by graft-vs-host-disease (GVHD) as a major cause of transplant-related mortality. Hence, strategies to limit GVHD while preserving the GVL effect are highly desirable. Ceramide, which serves a central role in sphingolipid metabolism, is generated by ceramide synthases (CerS1–6). In this study, we found that genetic or pharmacologic targeting of CerS6 prevented and reversed chronic GVHD (cGVHD). Furthermore, specific inhibition of CerS6 with ST1072 significantly ameliorated acute GVHD (aGVHD) while preserving the GVL effect, which differed from FTY720 that attenuated aGVHD but impaired GVL activity. At the cellular level, blockade of CerS6 restrained donor T cells from migrating into GVHD target organs and preferentially reduced activation of donor CD4 T cells. At the molecular level, CerS6 was required for optimal TCR signaling, CD3/PKCθ co-localization, and subsequent N-RAS activation and ERK signaling, especially on CD4+ T cells. The current study provides rationale and means for targeting CerS6 to control GVHD and leukemia relapse, which would enhance the efficacy of allo-HCT as an immunotherapy for hematologic malignancies in the clinic.
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Sphingolipid control of cognitive functions in health and disease. Prog Lipid Res 2022; 86:101162. [DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2022.101162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Xing J, Yi J. Comprehensive analysis of LASS6 expression and prognostic value in ovarian cancer. J Ovarian Res 2021; 14:117. [PMID: 34488809 PMCID: PMC8422657 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-021-00868-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ceramide plays an important role in the occurrence and development of tumor. The synthesis of ceramide needs the participation of LASS. Current studies have shown that different LASS family members play different functions in tumors, especially LASS6, has been proved to play a key role in breast cancer, gastric cancer, melanoma and so on, but the research on ovarian cancer is very limited. METHODS Bioinformatics web resources, including Oncomine, UALCAN, Kaplan-Meier Plotter and TIMER were used to analyze the expression profile, prognostic value and immune infiltration of LASS6. The related genes of LASS6 in ovarian cancer were mined by Regulome Explorer and LinkedOmics database, and cluster analysis was done by DAVID. The PPI network involving LASS6 was constructed by STRING database. Finally, the correlation between 10 genes and LASS6 was analyzed by GEPIA database, and their prognostic value in ovarian cancer was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier plotter. RESULTS The expression of LASS6 was up-regulated in ovarian cancer, which was related to the progression and poor prognosis of ovarian cancer. Through GO/KEGG cluster analysis, we also found that LASS6 may affect calcium ion channel and its transport pathways. The analysis of regulatory network involved in LASS6 showed that the high mRNAs of 7 key genes were associated with poor prognosis of OS in patients with ovarian cancer, among which DEGS1 was the most significant. CONCLUSIONS LASS6 may play an important role in the regulation of calcium pathway and become a new therapeutic target and potential prognostic marker in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinshan Xing
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China
| | - Jingyan Yi
- Department of Medical Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646000, China.
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13
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Song JH, Kim GT, Park KH, Park WJ, Park TS. Bioactive Sphingolipids as Major Regulators of Coronary Artery Disease. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2021; 29:373-383. [PMID: 33903284 PMCID: PMC8255146 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2020.218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is the deposition of plaque in the main arteries. It is an inflammatory condition involving the accumulation of macrophages and various lipids (low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol, ceramide, S1P). Moreover, endothelial cells, macrophages, leukocytes, and smooth muscle cells are the major players in the atherogenic process. Sphingolipids are now emerging as important regulators in various pathophysiological processes, including the atherogenic process. Various sphingolipids exist, such as the ceramides, ceramide-1-phosphate, sphingosine, sphinganine, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), sphingomyelin, and hundreds of glycosphingolipids. Among these, ceramides, glycosphingolipids, and S1P play important roles in the atherogenic processes. The atherosclerotic plaque consists of higher amounts of ceramide, glycosphingolipids, and sphingomyelin. The inhibition of the de novo ceramide biosynthesis reduces the development of atherosclerosis. S1P regulates atherogenesis via binding to the S1P receptor (S1PR). Among the five S1PRs (S1PR1-5), S1PR1 and S1PR3 mainly exert anti-atherosclerotic properties. This review mainly focuses on the effects of ceramide and S1P via the S1PR in the development of atherosclerosis. Moreover, it discusses the recent findings and potential therapeutic implications in atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Hwi Song
- Department of Life Science, Gachon University, Sungnam 13120, Republic of Korea
| | - Goon-Tae Kim
- Department of Life Science, Gachon University, Sungnam 13120, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Ho Park
- Department of Nutrition, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Jae Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Sik Park
- Department of Life Science, Gachon University, Sungnam 13120, Republic of Korea
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14
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Crivelli SM, Luo Q, Stevens JA, Giovagnoni C, van Kruining D, Bode G, den Hoedt S, Hobo B, Scheithauer AL, Walter J, Mulder MT, Exley C, Mold M, Mielke MM, De Vries HE, Wouters K, van den Hove DLA, Berkes D, Ledesma MD, Verhaagen J, Losen M, Bieberich E, Martinez-Martinez P. CERT L reduces C16 ceramide, amyloid-β levels, and inflammation in a model of Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Res Ther 2021; 13:45. [PMID: 33597019 PMCID: PMC7890977 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-021-00780-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulation of ceramide and sphingomyelin levels have been suggested to contribute to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Ceramide transfer proteins (CERTs) are ceramide carriers which are crucial for ceramide and sphingomyelin balance in cells. Extracellular forms of CERTs co-localize with amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques in AD brains. To date, the significance of these observations for the pathophysiology of AD remains uncertain. METHODS A plasmid expressing CERTL, the long isoform of CERTs, was used to study the interaction of CERTL with amyloid precursor protein (APP) by co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence in HEK cells. The recombinant CERTL protein was employed to study interaction of CERTL with amyloid-β (Aβ), Aβ aggregation process in presence of CERTL, and the resulting changes in Aβ toxicity in neuroblastoma cells. CERTL was overexpressed in neurons by adeno-associated virus (AAV) in a mouse model of familial AD (5xFAD). Ten weeks after transduction, animals were challenged with behavior tests for memory, anxiety, and locomotion. At week 12, brains were investigated for sphingolipid levels by mass spectrometry, plaques, and neuroinflammation by immunohistochemistry, gene expression, and/or immunoassay. RESULTS Here, we report that CERTL binds to APP, modifies Aβ aggregation, and reduces Aβ neurotoxicity in vitro. Furthermore, we show that intracortical injection of AAV, mediating the expression of CERTL, decreases levels of ceramide d18:1/16:0 and increases sphingomyelin levels in the brain of male 5xFAD mice. CERTL in vivo over-expression has a mild effect on animal locomotion, decreases Aβ formation, and modulates microglia by decreasing their pro-inflammatory phenotype. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate a crucial role of CERTL in regulating ceramide levels in the brain, in amyloid plaque formation and neuroinflammation, thereby opening research avenues for therapeutic targets of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone M. Crivelli
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Lexington, KY 40502 USA
| | - Qian Luo
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jo A.A. Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Caterina Giovagnoni
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Daan van Kruining
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Gerard Bode
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra den Hoedt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Laboratory Vascular Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Barbara Hobo
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anna-Lena Scheithauer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jochen Walter
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Monique T. Mulder
- Department of Internal Medicine, Laboratory Vascular Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Christopher Exley
- The Birchall Centre, Lennard-Jones Laboratories, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Matthew Mold
- The Birchall Centre, Lennard-Jones Laboratories, Keele University, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Michelle M. Mielke
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Science Research, and Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Helga E. De Vries
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Kristiaan Wouters
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel L. A. van den Hove
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Dusan Berkes
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Slovak University of Technology, Radlinského 9, 81237 Bratislava, Slovak Republic
| | - María Dolores Ledesma
- Department of Molecular Neuropathology, Centro de Biología Molecular “Severo Ochoa” (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Joost Verhaagen
- Laboratory for Neuroregeneration, Netherlands institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mario Losen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Erhard Bieberich
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Lexington, KY 40502 USA
| | - Pilar Martinez-Martinez
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
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15
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Raichur S. Ceramide Synthases Are Attractive Drug Targets for Treating Metabolic Diseases. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:483. [PMID: 32849276 PMCID: PMC7403459 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ceramide synthases (CerS) are central enzymes required for the de-novo synthesis of ceramides and other sphingolipids. They catalyze the addition of different acyl-chains to a sphingoid base, and thus account for much of the rich diversity in the sphingolipid family. Recent studies have demonstrated that the acyl-chain is an important determinant of ceramide function, such that a small subset of ceramides (e.g., those containing the C16 or C18 acyl-chain) alter metabolism by inhibiting insulin signaling or inducing mitochondrial fragmentation. Herein I discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting certain ceramide synthase isoforms for the treatment of obesity, insulin resistance, steatohepatitis, and other metabolic disorders.
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16
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Henriquez-Henriquez M, Acosta MT, Martinez AF, Vélez JI, Lopera F, Pineda D, Palacio JD, Quiroga T, Worgall TS, Deckelbaum RJ, Mastronardi C, Molina BSG, Arcos-Burgos M, Muenke M. Mutations in sphingolipid metabolism genes are associated with ADHD. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:231. [PMID: 32661301 PMCID: PMC7359313 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-00881-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in children, with genetic factors accounting for 75-80% of the phenotypic variance. Recent studies have suggested that ADHD patients might present with atypical central myelination that can persist into adulthood. Given the essential role of sphingolipids in myelin formation and maintenance, we explored genetic variation in sphingolipid metabolism genes for association with ADHD risk. Whole-exome genotyping was performed in three independent cohorts from disparate regions of the world, for a total of 1520 genotyped subjects. Cohort 1 (MTA (Multimodal Treatment study of children with ADHD) sample, 371 subjects) was analyzed as the discovery cohort, while cohorts 2 (Paisa sample, 298 subjects) and 3 (US sample, 851 subjects) were used for replication. A set of 58 genes was manually curated based on their roles in sphingolipid metabolism. A targeted exploration for association between ADHD and 137 markers encoding for common and rare potentially functional allelic variants in this set of genes was performed in the screening cohort. Single- and multi-locus additive, dominant and recessive linear mixed-effect models were used. During discovery, we found statistically significant associations between ADHD and variants in eight genes (GALC, CERS6, SMPD1, SMPDL3B, CERS2, FADS3, ELOVL5, and CERK). Successful local replication for associations with variants in GALC, SMPD1, and CERS6 was demonstrated in both replication cohorts. Variants rs35785620, rs143078230, rs398607, and rs1805078, associated with ADHD in the discovery or replication cohorts, correspond to missense mutations with predicted deleterious effects. Expression quantitative trait loci analysis revealed an association between rs398607 and increased GALC expression in the cerebellum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Henriquez-Henriquez
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- ELSA Clinical Laboratories (IntegraMedica, part of Bupa), Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Maria T Acosta
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ariel F Martinez
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Francisco Lopera
- Neuroscience Research Group, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - David Pineda
- Neuroscience Research Group, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Juan D Palacio
- Neuroscience Research Group, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Teresa Quiroga
- Department of Clinical Laboratories, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Tilla S Worgall
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Richard J Deckelbaum
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Human Nutrition, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Claudio Mastronardi
- Neuroscience Group (NeurUROS), Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Brooke S G Molina
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mauricio Arcos-Burgos
- Grupo de Investigación en Psiquiatría (GIPSI), Departamento de Psiquiatría, Instituto de Investigaciones Me´dicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medelli´n, Colombia.
| | - Maximilian Muenke
- Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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17
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Turpin-Nolan SM, Brüning JC. The role of ceramides in metabolic disorders: when size and localization matters. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2020; 16:224-233. [PMID: 32060415 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-020-0320-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Ceramide accumulation is a hallmark in the manifestation of numerous obesity-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. Until the early 2000s, ceramides were viewed as a homogenous class of sphingolipids. However, it has now become clear that ceramides exert fundamentally different effects depending on the specific fatty acyl chain lengths, which are integrated into ceramides by a group of enzymes known as dihydroceramide synthases. In addition, alterations in ceramide synthesis, trafficking and metabolism in specific cellular compartments exert distinct consequences on metabolic homeostasis. Here, we examine the emerging concept of how the intracellular localization of ceramides with distinct acyl chain lengths can regulate glucose metabolism, thus emphasizing their potential as targets in the development of novel and specific therapies for obesity and obesity-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Turpin-Nolan
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Köln, Germany
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD), Köln, Germany
| | - Jens C Brüning
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Köln, Germany.
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging Associated Diseases (CECAD), Köln, Germany.
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Köln, Germany.
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Preventive Medicine (CEDP), University Hospital Cologne, Köln, Germany.
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18
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Crivelli SM, Giovagnoni C, Visseren L, Scheithauer AL, de Wit N, den Hoedt S, Losen M, Mulder MT, Walter J, de Vries HE, Bieberich E, Martinez-Martinez P. Sphingolipids in Alzheimer's disease, how can we target them? Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 159:214-231. [PMID: 31911096 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2019.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Altered levels of sphingolipids and their metabolites in the brain, and the related downstream effects on neuronal homeostasis and the immune system, provide a framework for understanding mechanisms in neurodegenerative disorders and for developing new intervention strategies. In this review we will discuss: the metabolites of sphingolipids that function as second messengers; and functional aberrations of the pathway resulting in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology. Focusing on the central product of the sphingolipid pathway ceramide, we describ approaches to pharmacologically decrease ceramide levels in the brain and we argue on how the sphingolipid pathway may represent a new framework for developing novel intervention strategies in AD. We also highlight the possible use of clinical and non-clinical drugs to modulate the sphingolipid pathway and sphingolipid-related biological cascades.
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19
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van Kruining D, Luo Q, van Echten-Deckert G, Mielke MM, Bowman A, Ellis S, Oliveira TG, Martinez-Martinez P. Sphingolipids as prognostic biomarkers of neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, and psychiatric diseases and their emerging role in lipidomic investigation methods. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 159:232-244. [PMID: 32360155 PMCID: PMC7665829 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Lipids play an important role in neurodegeneration, neuroinflammation, and psychiatric disorders and an imbalance in sphingolipid levels is associated with disease. Although early diagnosis and intervention of these disorders would clearly have favorable long-term outcomes, no diagnostic tests currently exist that can accurately identify people at risk. Reliable prognostic biomarkers that are easily accessible would be beneficial to determine therapy and treatment response in clinical trials. Recent advances in lipidomic investigation methods have greatly progressed the knowledge of sphingolipids in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders over the past decades although more longitudinal studies are needed to understand its exact role in these disorders to be used as potential tools in the clinic. In this review, we give an overview of the current knowledge of sphingolipids in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders and explore recent advances in investigation methods. Finally, the potential of sphingolipid metabolism products and signaling molecules as potential biomarkers for diagnosis, prognostic, or surrogate markers of treatment response is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daan van Kruining
- Division of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Qian Luo
- Division of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Gerhild van Echten-Deckert
- LIMES Institute for Membrane Biology and Lipid Biochemistry, Kekulé-Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michelle M Mielke
- Department of Health Sciences Research and Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Andrew Bowman
- The Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4I), Division of Imaging Mass Spectrometry, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Shane Ellis
- The Maastricht Multimodal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4I), Division of Imaging Mass Spectrometry, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Tiago Gil Oliveira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), ICVS/3B's, School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Pilar Martinez-Martinez
- Division of Neuroscience, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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20
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Tosetti B, Brodesser S, Brunn A, Deckert M, Blüher M, Doehner W, Anker SD, Wenzel D, Fleischmann B, Pongratz C, Peters F, Utermöhlen O, Krönke M. A tissue-specific screen of ceramide expression in aged mice identifies ceramide synthase-1 and ceramide synthase-5 as potential regulators of fiber size and strength in skeletal muscle. Aging Cell 2020; 19:e13049. [PMID: 31692231 PMCID: PMC6974707 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of skeletal muscle mass is one of the most widespread and deleterious processes in aging humans. However, the mechanistic metabolic principles remain poorly understood. In the framework of a multi‐organ investigation of age‐associated changes of ceramide species, a unique and distinctive change pattern of C16:0 and C18:0 ceramide species was detected in aged skeletal muscle. Consistently, the expression of CerS1 and CerS5 mRNA, encoding the ceramide synthases (CerS) with substrate preference for C16:0 and C18:0 acyl chains, respectively, was down‐regulated in skeletal muscle of aged mice. Similarly, an age‐dependent decline of both CerS1 and CerS5 mRNA expression was observed in skeletal muscle biopsies of humans. Moreover, CerS1 and CerS5 mRNA expression was also reduced in muscle biopsies from patients in advanced stage of chronic heart failure (CHF) suffering from muscle wasting and frailty. The possible impact of CerS1 and CerS5 on muscle function was addressed by reversed genetic analysis using CerS1Δ/Δ and CerS5Δ/Δ knockout mice. Skeletal muscle from mice deficient of either CerS1 or CerS5 showed reduced caliber sizes of both slow (type 1) and fast (type 2) muscle fibers, fiber grouping, and fiber switch to type 1 fibers. Moreover, CerS1‐ and CerS5‐deficient mice exhibited reduced twitch and tetanus forces of musculus extensor digitorum longus. The findings of this study link CerS1 and CerS5 to histopathological changes and functional impairment of skeletal muscle in mice that might also play a functional role for the aging skeletal muscle and for age‐related muscle wasting disorders in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Tosetti
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene University Hospital Cologne Cologne Germany
- Cologne Cluster of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging‐Associated Diseases (CECAD) Cologne Germany
| | - Susanne Brodesser
- Cologne Cluster of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging‐Associated Diseases (CECAD) Cologne Germany
| | - Anna Brunn
- Department of Neuropathology Faculty of Medicine University of Cologne Cologne Germany
| | - Martina Deckert
- Department of Neuropathology Faculty of Medicine University of Cologne Cologne Germany
| | - Matthias Blüher
- Department of Medicine University of Leipzig Leipzig Germany
| | - Wolfram Doehner
- Department of Cardiology (Campus Virchow Klinikum) German Centre for Cardiovascular Research Berlin Germany
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT) Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Stefan D. Anker
- Division of Cardiology and Metabolism Department of Cardiology (Campus Virchow Klinikum) Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin Germany
- Berlin‐Brandenburg Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT) Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin Germany
| | - Daniela Wenzel
- Institute of Physiology I Medical Faculty University of Bonn Bonn Germany
| | - Bernd Fleischmann
- Institute of Physiology I Medical Faculty University of Bonn Bonn Germany
| | - Carola Pongratz
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene University Hospital Cologne Cologne Germany
- Cologne Cluster of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging‐Associated Diseases (CECAD) Cologne Germany
| | - Franziska Peters
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene University Hospital Cologne Cologne Germany
- Cologne Cluster of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging‐Associated Diseases (CECAD) Cologne Germany
| | - Olaf Utermöhlen
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene University Hospital Cologne Cologne Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) Cologne Germany
| | - Martin Krönke
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene University Hospital Cologne Cologne Germany
- Cologne Cluster of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging‐Associated Diseases (CECAD) Cologne Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC) Cologne Germany
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21
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Abstract
Long chain base (LCB) is a unique building block found in sphingolipids. The initial step of LCB biosynthesis stems from serine:palmitoyl-CoA transferase enzyme, producing 3-ketodihydrosphingosine with multiple regulatory proteins including small subunit SPT a/b and orosomucoid-like protein1-3. 3-Ketodihydrosphingosine reductase and sphingolipid Δ4-desaturase, both of them poorly characterized mammalian enzymes, play key roles for neurological homeostasis based on their pathogenic mutation in humans. Ceramide synthase in mammals has six isoforms with distinct phenotype in each knockout mouse. In plants and fungi, sphingolipids also contain phytosphingosine due to sphingolipid C4-hydroxylase. In contrast to previous notion that dietary intake might be its major route in animals, emerging evidences suggested that phytosphingosine biosynthesis does occur in some tissues such as the skin by mammalian C4-hydroxylase activity of the DEGS2 gene. This short review summarizes LCB biosynthesis with their associating metabolic pathways in animals, plants and fungi. Sphingolipid is a group of lipids that contains a unique building block known as long chain base (LCB). LCB is susceptible to various biosynthetic reactions such as unsaturation, hydroxylation and methylation. A failure of these enzymatic reactions leads to the pathogenesis in humans with an elevation of LCB-derived specific biomarkers. Herein, we summarized emerging evidences in mammalian LCB biosynthesis in sphingolipids. Some unique metabolic pathways in plants and fungi were also discussed.
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22
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Garić D, De Sanctis JB, Shah J, Dumut DC, Radzioch D. Biochemistry of very-long-chain and long-chain ceramides in cystic fibrosis and other diseases: The importance of side chain. Prog Lipid Res 2019:100998. [PMID: 31445070 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2019.100998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Ceramides, the principal building blocks of all sphingolipids, have attracted the attention of many scientists around the world interested in developing treatments for cystic fibrosis, the most common genetic disease of Caucasians. Many years of fruitful research in this field have produced some fundamentally important, yet controversial results. Here, we aimed to summarize the current knowledge on the role of long- and very-long- chain ceramides, the most abundant species of ceramides in animal cells, in cystic fibrosis and other diseases. We also aim to explain the importance of the length of their side chain in the context of stability of transmembrane proteins through a concise synthesis of their biophysical chemistry, cell biology, and physiology. This review also addresses several remaining riddles in this field. Finally, we discuss the technical challenges associated with the analysis and quantification of ceramides. We provide the evaluation of the antibodies used for ceramide quantification and we demonstrate their lack of specificity. Results and discussion presented here will be of interest to anyone studying these enigmatic lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dušan Garić
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Juan B De Sanctis
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Juhi Shah
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Daciana Catalina Dumut
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Danuta Radzioch
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Pujol-Lereis LM. Alteration of Sphingolipids in Biofluids: Implications for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20143564. [PMID: 31330872 PMCID: PMC6678458 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20143564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sphingolipids (SL) modulate several cellular processes including cell death, proliferation and autophagy. The conversion of sphingomyelin (SM) to ceramide and the balance between ceramide and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), also known as the SL rheostat, have been associated with oxidative stress and neurodegeneration. Research in the last decade has focused on the possibility of targeting the SL metabolism as a therapeutic option; and SL levels in biofluids, including serum, plasma, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), have been measured in several neurodegenerative diseases with the aim of finding a diagnostic or prognostic marker. Previous reviews focused on results from diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD), evaluated total SL or species levels in human biofluids, post-mortem tissues and/or animal models. However, a comprehensive review of SL alterations comparing results from several neurodegenerative diseases is lacking. The present work compiles data from circulating sphingolipidomic studies and attempts to elucidate a possible connection between certain SL species and neurodegeneration processes. Furthermore, the effects of ceramide species according to their acyl-chain length in cellular pathways such as apoptosis and proliferation are discussed in order to understand the impact of the level alteration in specific species. Finally, enzymatic regulations and the possible influence of insulin resistance in the level alteration of SL are evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana M Pujol-Lereis
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Inmunología y Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIDIE-CONICET), X5016DHK Córdoba, Argentina.
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24
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Differential lipid composition and regulation along the hippocampal longitudinal axis. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:144. [PMID: 31028243 PMCID: PMC6486574 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-019-0478-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipids are major constituents of the brain largely implicated in physiological and pathological processes. The hippocampus is a complex brain structure involved in learning, memory and emotional responses, and its functioning is also affected in various disorders. Despite conserved intrinsic circuitry, behavioral and anatomical studies suggest the existence of a structural and functional gradient along the hippocampal longitudinal axis. Here, we used an unbiased mass spectrometry approach to characterize the lipid composition of distinct hippocampal subregions. In addition, we evaluated the susceptibility of each area to lipid modulation by corticosterone (CORT), an important mediator of the effects of stress. We confirmed a great similarity between hippocampal subregions relatively to other brain areas. Moreover, we observed a continuous molecular gradient along the longitudinal axis of the hippocampus, with the dorsal and ventral extremities differing significantly from each other, particularly in the relative abundance of sphingolipids and phospholipids. Also, whereas chronic CORT exposure led to remodeling of triacylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol species in both hippocampal poles, our study suggests that the ventral hippocampus is more sensitive to CORT-induced changes, with regional modulation of ceramide, dihydrosphingomyelin and phosphatidic acid. Thus, our results confirm a multipartite molecular view of dorsal-ventral hippocampal axis and emphasize lipid metabolites as candidate effectors of glucocorticoid signaling, mediating regional susceptibility to neurological disorders associated with stress.
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25
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Potential therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis in sphingolipid metabolism. Clin Sci (Lond) 2019; 133:763-776. [PMID: 30890654 PMCID: PMC6422862 DOI: 10.1042/cs20180911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sphingolipids, such as sphingomyelins, ceramides, glycosphingolipids, and sphingosine-1-phosphates (S1P) are a large group of structurally and functionally diverse molecules. Some specific species are found associated with atherogenesis and provide novel therapeutic targets. Herein, we briefly review how sphingolipids are implicated in the progression of atherosclerosis and related diseases, and then we discuss the potential therapy options by targetting several key enzymes in sphingolipid metabolism.
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26
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Garić D, De Sanctis JB, Shah J, Dumut DC, Radzioch D. Biochemistry of very-long-chain and long-chain ceramides in cystic fibrosis and other diseases: The importance of side chain. Prog Lipid Res 2019; 74:130-144. [PMID: 30876862 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Ceramides, the principal building blocks of all sphingolipids, have attracted the attention of many scientists around the world interested in developing treatments for cystic fibrosis, the most common genetic disease of Caucasians. Many years of fruitful research in this field have produced some fundamentally important, yet controversial results. Here, we aimed to summarize the current knowledge on the role of long- and very-long- chain ceramides, the most abundant species of ceramides in animal cells, in cystic fibrosis and other diseases. We also aim to explain the importance of the length of their side chain in the context of stability of transmembrane proteins through a concise synthesis of their biophysical chemistry, cell biology, and physiology. This review also addresses several remaining riddles in this field. Finally, we discuss the technical challenges associated with the analysis and quantification of ceramides. We provide the evaluation of the antibodies used for ceramide quantification and we demonstrate their lack of specificity. Results and discussion presented here will be of interest to anyone studying these enigmatic lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dušan Garić
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Juan B De Sanctis
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Juhi Shah
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Daciana Catalina Dumut
- Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Danuta Radzioch
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Department of Medicine, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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27
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Turpin-Nolan SM, Hammerschmidt P, Chen W, Jais A, Timper K, Awazawa M, Brodesser S, Brüning JC. CerS1-Derived C18:0 Ceramide in Skeletal Muscle Promotes Obesity-Induced Insulin Resistance. Cell Rep 2019; 26:1-10.e7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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28
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Albeituni S, Stiban J. Roles of Ceramides and Other Sphingolipids in Immune Cell Function and Inflammation. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1161:169-191. [PMID: 31562630 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-21735-8_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ceramides are bioactive sphingolipids that support the structure of the plasma membrane and mediate numerous cell-signaling events in eukaryotic cells. The finding that ceramides act as second messengers transducing cellular signals has attracted substantial attention in several fields of Biology. Since all cells contain lipid plasma membranes, the impact of various ceramides, ceramide synthases, ceramide metabolites, and other sphingolipids has been implicated in a vast range of cellular functions including, migration, proliferation, response to external stimuli, and death. The roles of lipids in these functions widely differ among the diverse cell types. Herein, we discuss the roles of ceramides and other sphingolipids in mediating the function of various immune cells; particularly dendritic cells, neutrophils, and macrophages. In addition, we highlight the main studies describing effects of ceramides in inflammation, specifically in various inflammatory settings including insulin resistance, graft-versus-host disease, immune suppression in cancer, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrin Albeituni
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Johnny Stiban
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, Birzeit University, West Bank, Palestine.
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29
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Wang G, Bieberich E. Sphingolipids in neurodegeneration (with focus on ceramide and S1P). Adv Biol Regul 2018; 70:51-64. [PMID: 30287225 PMCID: PMC6251739 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2018.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
For many decades, research on sphingolipids associated with neurodegenerative disease focused on alterations in glycosphingolipids, particularly glycosylceramides (cerebrosides), sulfatides, and gangliosides. This seemed quite natural since many of these glycolipids are constituents of myelin and accumulated in lipid storage diseases (sphingolipidoses) resulting from enzyme deficiencies in glycolipid metabolism. With the advent of recognizing ceramide and its derivative, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), as key players in lipid cell signaling and regulation of cell death and survival, research focus shifted toward these two sphingolipids. Ceramide and S1P are invoked in a plethora of cell biological processes participating in neurodegeneration such as ER stress, autophagy, dysregulation of protein and lipid transport, exosome secretion and neurotoxic protein spreading, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Hence, it is timely to discuss various functions of ceramide and S1P in neurodegenerative disease and to define sphingolipid metabolism and cell signaling pathways as potential targets for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghu Wang
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Erhard Bieberich
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
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30
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Ceramide Synthase 6: Comparative Analysis, Phylogeny and Evolution. Biomolecules 2018; 8:biom8040111. [PMID: 30297675 PMCID: PMC6315813 DOI: 10.3390/biom8040111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Ceramide synthase 6 (CerS6, also known as LASS6) is one of the six members of ceramide synthase gene family in humans. Comparisons of CerS6 amino acid sequences and structures as well as of CerS6 gene structures/locations were conducted using data from several vertebrate genome projects. A specific role for the CerS6 gene and protein has been identified as the endoplasmic reticulum C14- and C16-ceramide synthase. Mammalian CerS6 proteins share 90⁻100% similarity among different species, but are only 22⁻63% similar to other CerS family members, suggesting that CerS6 is a distinct gene family. Sequence alignments, predicted transmembrane, lumenal and cytoplasmic segments and N-glycosylation sites were also investigated, resulting in identification of the key conserved residues, including the active site as well as C-terminus acidic and serine residues. Mammalian CerS6 genes contain ten exons, are primarily located on the positive strands and transcribed as two major isoforms. The human CERS6 gene promoter harbors a large CpG island (94 CpGs) and multiple transcription factor binding sites (TFBS), which support precise transcriptional regulation and signaling functions. Additional regulation is conferred by 15 microRNA (miRNA) target sites identified in the CERS6 3'-UTR region. Phylogenetic analysis of the vertebrate CerS1⁻6 gene families relationships supports a major role for the CerS6 enzyme that is strongly conserved throughout vertebrate evolution.
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31
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Verlekar D, Wei SJ, Cho H, Yang S, Kang MH. Ceramide synthase-6 confers resistance to chemotherapy by binding to CD95/Fas in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:925. [PMID: 30206207 PMCID: PMC6133972 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0964-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Ceramide synthases (CERS) produce ceramides which are key intermediators in the biosynthesis of complex sphingolipids and play an important role in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and senescence. CERS6 is an isoform of ceramide synthases known to generate ceramides with C16 acyl chain (C16-Cer). CERS6 and C16-Cer levels were significantly higher in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cells in comparison to peripheral blood mononuclear cells and T lymphocytes derived from healthy human volunteers. We investigated the role of CERS6 in chemo-resistance in T-ALL cell lines. Stable knockdown of CERS6 in CCRF-CEM and MOLT-4 cells resulted in increased sensitivity to ABT-737, a pan-BCL-2 inhibitor, while CCRF-CEM cells with exogenous CERS6 expression showed resistance to ABT-737 relative to the vector control. The cytotoxic activity of ABT-737 in CERS6 knockdown cells was significantly reduced by the addition of a caspase-8 inhibitor Z-IETD, suggesting that CERS6 alters the cytotoxicity via extrinsic pathway of apoptosis. By co-immunoprecipitation of CERS6 in CCRF-CEM cells, we identified CD95/Fas, a mediator of extrinsic apoptotic pathway, as a novel CERS6 binding partner. In Fas pull-down samples, FADD (Fas-associated protein with death domain) was detected at higher levels in cells with CERS6 knockdown compared with control cells when treated with ABT-737, and this was reversed by the overexpression of CERS6, demonstrating that CERS6 interferes with Fas–FADD DISC assembly. CERS6 may serve as a biomarker in determining the effectiveness of anticancer agents acting via the extrinsic pathway in T-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dattesh Verlekar
- Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, 79430, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, 79430, USA.,Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, 79430, USA
| | - Sung-Jen Wei
- Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, 79430, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, 79430, USA
| | - Hwangeui Cho
- Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, 79430, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, 79430, USA
| | - Shengping Yang
- Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, 79430, USA.,Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, 79430, USA
| | - Min H Kang
- Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, 79430, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, 79430, USA. .,Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, 79430, USA.
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32
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Sandhoff R, Sandhoff K. Emerging concepts of ganglioside metabolism. FEBS Lett 2018; 592:3835-3864. [PMID: 29802621 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.13114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Gangliosides (GGs) are sialic acid-containing glycosphingolipids (GSLs) and major membrane components enriched on cellular surfaces. Biosynthesis of mammalian GGs starts at the cytosolic leaflet of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membranes with the formation of their hydrophobic ceramide anchors. After intracellular ceramide transfer to Golgi and trans-Golgi network (TGN) membranes, anabolism of GGs, as well as of other GSLs, is catalyzed by membrane-spanning glycosyltransferases (GTs) along the secretory pathway. Combined activity of only a few promiscuous GTs allows for the formation of cell-type-specific glycolipid patterns. Following an exocytotic vesicle flow to the cellular plasma membranes, GGs can be modified by metabolic reactions at or near the cellular surface. For degradation, GGs are endocytosed to reach late endosomes and lysosomes. Whereas membrane-spanning enzymes of the secretory pathway catalyze GSL and GG formation, a cooperation of soluble glycosidases, lipases and lipid-binding cofactors, namely the sphingolipid activator proteins (SAPs), act as the main players of GG and GSL catabolism at intralysosomal luminal vesicles (ILVs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Sandhoff
- Lipid Pathobiochemistry Group (G131), German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
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33
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Brodowicz J, Przegaliński E, Müller CP, Filip M. Ceramide and Its Related Neurochemical Networks as Targets for Some Brain Disorder Therapies. Neurotox Res 2018; 33:474-484. [PMID: 28842833 PMCID: PMC5766709 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-017-9798-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Correlational and causal comparative research link ceramide (Cer), the precursor of complex sphingolipids, to some psychiatric (e.g., depression, schizophrenia (SZ), alcohol use disorder, and morphine antinociceptive tolerance) and neurological (e.g., Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson disease (PD)) disorders. Cer generation can occur through the de novo synthesis pathway, the sphingomyelinase pathways, and the salvage pathway. The discoveries that plasma Cer concentration increase during depressive episodes in patients and that tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants functionally inhibit acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), the enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of sphingomyelin to Cer, have initiated a series of studies on the role of the ASM-Cer system in depressive disorder. Disturbances in the metabolism of Cer or SM are associated with the occurrence of SZ and PD. In both PD and SZ patients, the elevated levels of Cer or SM in the brain regions were associated with the disease. AD patients showed also an abnormal metabolism of brain Cer at early stages of the disease which may suggest Cer as an AD biomarker. In plasma of AD patients and in AD transgenic mice, ASM activity was increased. In contrast, partial ASM inhibition of Aβ deposition improved memory deficits. Furthermore, in clinical and preclinical research, ethanol enhanced activation of ASM followed by Cer production. Limited data have shown that Cer plays an important role in the development of morphine antinociceptive tolerance. In summary, clinical and preclinical findings provide evidence that targeting the Cer system should be considered as an innovative translational strategy for some brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Brodowicz
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Street, 30-688, Kraków, Poland
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Edmund Przegaliński
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Christian P Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Schwabachanlage 6, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Malgorzata Filip
- Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna Street, 31-343, Kraków, Poland.
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34
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Helke K, Angel P, Lu P, Garrett-Mayer E, Ogretmen B, Drake R, Voelkel-Johnson C. Ceramide Synthase 6 Deficiency Enhances Inflammation in the DSS model of Colitis. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1627. [PMID: 29374263 PMCID: PMC5786068 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-20102-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colitis, an inflammatory disease of the digestive tract, is increasing in incidence and prevalence. Intestinal inflammation can occur as a consequence of dysfunctions in sphingolipid metabolism. In this study we used ceramide synthase 6 (CerS6) deficient mice, which have a reduced ability to generate long chain C16-ceramide, to investigate the role of this enzyme in dextran sodium salt (DSS)-induced colitis. While CerS6-deficient mice are protected from T cell mediated colitis, in the T cell independent DSS model lack of CerS6 resulted in a more rapid onset of disease symptoms. CerS6-deficient mice maintained low levels of C16-ceramide after DSS treatment, but the inflammatory lipid sphingosine-1-phosphate was significantly increased in colon tissue. In the absence of CerS6, DSS induced more severe pathology in the colon including enhanced neutrophil infiltration. In vivo analysis of myeloperoxidase activity, an enzyme released from neutrophils, was approximately 2.5-fold higher in CerS6-deficient mice compared to wild type. Differences in intestinal permeability did not account for the increase in neutrophils. Our study suggests that lack of CerS6 expression differentially impacts the development of colitis, depending on the model used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristi Helke
- Departments of Comparative Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Peggi Angel
- Pharmacology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Ping Lu
- Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - Besim Ogretmen
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Richard Drake
- Pharmacology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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35
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Abstract
Gangliosides are sialic acid containing glycosphingolipids, which are abundant in mammalian brain tissue. Several fatal human diseases are caused by defects in glycolipid metabolism. Defects in their degradation lead to an accumulation of metabolites upstream of the defective reactions, whereas defects in their biosynthesis lead to diverse problems in a large number of organs.Gangliosides are primarily positioned with their ceramide anchor in the neuronal plasma membrane and the glycan head group exposed on the cell surface. Their biosynthesis starts in the endoplasmic reticulum with the formation of the ceramide anchor, followed by sequential glycosylation reactions, mainly at the luminal surface of Golgi and TGN membranes, a combinatorial process, which is catalyzed by often promiscuous membrane-bound glycosyltransferases.Thereafter, the gangliosides are transported to the plasma membrane by exocytotic membrane flow. After endocytosis, they are degraded within the endolysosomal compartments by a complex machinery of degrading enzymes, lipid-binding activator proteins, and negatively charged lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette Breiden
- LIMES Institute, Membrane Biology & Lipid Biochemistry Unit, Kekulé-Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie, Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Konrad Sandhoff
- LIMES Institute, Membrane Biology & Lipid Biochemistry Unit, Kekulé-Institut für Organische Chemie und Biochemie, Universität Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
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36
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Camp ER, Patterson LD, Kester M, Voelkel-Johnson C. Therapeutic implications of bioactive sphingolipids: A focus on colorectal cancer. Cancer Biol Ther 2017; 18:640-650. [PMID: 28686076 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2017.1345396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapy of colorectal cancer (CRC), especially a subset known as locally advanced rectal cancer, is challenged by progression and recurrence. Sphingolipids, a lipid subtype with vital roles in cellular function, play an important role in CRC and impact on therapeutic outcomes. In this review we discuss how dietary sphingolipids or the gut microbiome via alterations in sphingolipids influence CRC carcinogenesis. In addition, we discuss the expression of sphingolipid enzymes in the gastro-intestinal tract, their alterations in CRC, and the implications for therapy responsiveness. Lastly, we highlight some novel therapeutics that target sphingolipid signaling and have potential applications in the treatment of CRC. Understanding how sphingolipid metabolism impacts cell death susceptibility and drug resistance will be critical toward improving therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Ramsay Camp
- a Department of Surgery Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston SC , USA
| | - Logan D Patterson
- b Department of Pharmacology , University of Virginia , Charlottesville VA , USA
| | - Mark Kester
- b Department of Pharmacology , University of Virginia , Charlottesville VA , USA
| | - Christina Voelkel-Johnson
- c Department of Microbiology & Immunology , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston SC , USA
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37
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Fan J, Wu BX, Crosson CE. Suppression of Acid Sphingomyelinase Protects the Retina from Ischemic Injury. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 57:4476-84. [PMID: 27571014 PMCID: PMC5015980 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-19717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) catalyzes the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin to ceramide and mediates multiple responses involved in inflammatory and apoptotic signaling. However, the role ASMase plays in ischemic retinal injury has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate how reduced ASMase expression impacts retinal ischemic injury. METHODS Changes in ceramide levels and ASMase activity were determined by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis and ASMase activity. Retinal function and morphology were assessed by electroretinography (ERG) and morphometric analyses. Levels of TNF-α were determined by ELISA. Activation of p38 MAP kinase was assessed by Western blot analysis. RESULTS In wild-type mice, ischemia produced a significant increase in retinal ASMase activity and ceramide levels. These increases were associated with functional deficits as measured by ERG analysis and significant structural degeneration in most retinal layers. In ASMase+/- mice, retinal ischemia did not significantly alter ASMase activity, and the rise in ceramide levels were significantly reduced compared to levels in retinas from wild-type mice. In ASMase+/- mice, functional and morphometric analyses of ischemic eyes revealed significantly less retinal degeneration than in injured retinas from wild-type mice. The ischemia-induced increase in retinal TNF-α levels was suppressed by the administration of the ASMase inhibitor desipramine, or by reducing ASMase expression. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that reducing ASMase expression provides partial protection from ischemic injury. Hence, the production of ceramide and subsequent mediators plays a role in the development of ischemic retinal injury. Modulating ASMase may present new opportunities for adjunctive therapies when treating retinal ischemic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Fan
- Storm Eye Institute Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Ophthalmology, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
| | - Bill X Wu
- Departments of Immunology and Microbiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
| | - Craig E Crosson
- Storm Eye Institute Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Ophthalmology, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
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Sofi MH, Heinrichs J, Dany M, Nguyen H, Dai M, Bastian D, Schutt S, Wu Y, Daenthanasanmak A, Gencer S, Zivkovic A, Szulc Z, Stark H, Liu C, Chang YJ, Ogretmen B, Yu XZ. Ceramide synthesis regulates T cell activity and GVHD development. JCI Insight 2017; 2:91701. [PMID: 28515365 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.91701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is an effective immunotherapy for a variety of hematologic malignances, yet its efficacy is impeded by the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). GVHD is characterized by activation, expansion, cytokine production, and migration of alloreactive donor T cells. Hence, strategies to limit GVHD are highly desirable. Ceramides are known to contribute to inflammation and autoimmunity. However, their involvement in T-cell responses to alloantigens is undefined. In the current study, we specifically characterized the role of ceramide synthase 6 (CerS6) after allo-HCT using genetic and pharmacologic approaches. We found that CerS6 was required for optimal T cell activation, proliferation, and cytokine production in response to alloantigen and for subsequent induction of GVHD. However, CerS6 was partially dispensable for the T cell-mediated antileukemia effect. At the molecular level, CerS6 was required for efficient TCR signal transduction, including tyrosine phosphorylation, ZAP-70 activation, and PKCθ/TCR colocalization. Impaired generation of C16-ceramide was responsible for diminished allogeneic T cell responses. Furthermore, targeting CerS6 using a specific inhibitor significantly reduced T cell activation in mouse and human T cells in vitro. Our study provides a rationale for targeting CerS6 to control GVHD, which would enhance the efficacy of allo-HCT as an immunotherapy for hematologic malignancies in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mohammed Dany
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Hung Nguyen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and
| | - Min Dai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and
| | | | | | - Yongxia Wu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and
| | | | - Salih Gencer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Aleksandra Zivkovic
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Zdzislaw Szulc
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Holger Stark
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ying-Jun Chang
- Peking University People's Hospital and Institute of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Besim Ogretmen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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39
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Lipids in psychiatric disorders and preventive medicine. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 76:336-362. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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40
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Rodriguez-Cuenca S, Pellegrinelli V, Campbell M, Oresic M, Vidal-Puig A. Sphingolipids and glycerophospholipids - The "ying and yang" of lipotoxicity in metabolic diseases. Prog Lipid Res 2017; 66:14-29. [PMID: 28104532 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sphingolipids in general and ceramides in particular, contribute to pathophysiological mechanisms by modifying signalling and metabolic pathways. Here, we present the available evidence for a bidirectional homeostatic crosstalk between sphingolipids and glycerophospholipids, whose dysregulation contributes to lipotoxicity induced metabolic stress. The initial evidence for this crosstalk originates from simulated models designed to investigate the biophysical properties of sphingolipids in plasma membrane representations. In this review, we reinterpret some of the original findings and conceptualise them as a sort of "ying/yang" interaction model of opposed/complementary forces, which is consistent with the current knowledge of lipid homeostasis and pathophysiology. We also propose that the dysregulation of the balance between sphingolipids and glycerophospholipids results in a lipotoxic insult relevant in the pathophysiology of common metabolic diseases, typically characterised by their increased ceramide/sphingosine pools.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Rodriguez-Cuenca
- Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge. Cambridge, UK.
| | - V Pellegrinelli
- Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge. Cambridge, UK
| | - M Campbell
- Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge. Cambridge, UK
| | - M Oresic
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI -20520 Turku, Finland
| | - A Vidal-Puig
- Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge. Cambridge, UK; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, UK.
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41
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Abstract
The sphingolipid family of lipids modulate several cellular processes, including proliferation, cell cycle regulation, inflammatory signaling pathways, and cell death. Several members of the sphingolipid pathway have opposing functions and thus imbalances in sphingolipid metabolism result in deregulated cellular processes, which cause or contribute to diseases and disorders in humans. A key cellular process regulated by sphingolipids is apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Sphingolipids play an important role in both extrinsic and intrinsic apoptotic pathways depending on the stimuli, cell type and cellular response to the stress. During mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, multiple pathways converge on mitochondria and induce mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP). MOMP results in the release of intermembrane space proteins such as cytochrome c and Apaf1 into the cytosol where they activate the caspases and DNases that execute cell death. The precise molecular components of the pore(s) responsible for MOMP are unknown, but sphingolipids are thought to play a role. Here, we review evidence for a role of sphingolipids in the induction of mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis with a focus on potential underlying molecular mechanisms by which altered sphingolipid metabolism indirectly or directly induce MOMP. Data available on these mechanisms is reviewed, and the focus and limitations of previous and current studies are discussed to present important unanswered questions and potential future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gauri A Patwardhan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Levi J Beverly
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.,James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, 505 South Hancock Street, Clinical and Translational Research Building, Room 203, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Leah J Siskind
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA. .,James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, 505 South Hancock Street, Clinical and Translational Research Building, Room 203, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
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42
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Castillo RI, Rojo LE, Henriquez-Henriquez M, Silva H, Maturana A, Villar MJ, Fuentes M, Gaspar PA. From Molecules to the Clinic: Linking Schizophrenia and Metabolic Syndrome through Sphingolipids Metabolism. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:488. [PMID: 27877101 PMCID: PMC5100552 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a prevalent and severe comorbidity observed in schizophrenia (SZ). The exact nature of this association is controversial and very often accredited to the effects of psychotropic medications and disease-induced life-style modifications, such as inactive lifestyle, poor dietary choices, and smoking. However, drug therapy and disease-induced lifestyle factors are likely not the only factors contributing to the observed converging nature of these conditions, since an increased prevalence of MS is also observed in first episode and drug-naïve psychosis populations. MS and SZ share common intrinsic susceptibility factors and etiopathogenic mechanisms, which may change the way we approach clinical management of SZ patients. Among the most relevant common pathogenic pathways of SZ and MS are alterations in the sphingolipids (SLs) metabolism and SLs homeostasis. SLs have important structural functions as they participate in the formation of membrane “lipid rafts.” SLs also play physiological roles in cell differentiation, proliferation, and inflammatory processes, which might be part of MS/SZ common pathophysiological processes. In this article we review a plausible mechanism to explain the link between MS and SZ through a disruption in SL homeostasis. Additionally, we provide insights on how this hypothesis can lead to the developing of new diagnostic/therapeutic technologies for SZ patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolando I Castillo
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Clínica Psiquiátrica Universitaria, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile Santiago, Chile
| | - Leonel E Rojo
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química y Biología, Universidad de Santiago de Chile Santiago, Chile
| | - Marcela Henriquez-Henriquez
- Departamento de Laboratorios Clínicos, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileSantiago, Chile; Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Human Nutrition, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia UniversityNew York, NY, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia UniversityNew York, NY, USA
| | - Hernán Silva
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Clínica Psiquiátrica Universitaria, Hospital Clínico Universidad de ChileSantiago, Chile; Facultad de Medicina, Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Universidad de ChileSantiago, Chile
| | - Alejandro Maturana
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Clínica Psiquiátrica Universitaria, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile Santiago, Chile
| | - María J Villar
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Clínica Psiquiátrica Universitaria, Hospital Clínico Universidad de Chile Santiago, Chile
| | - Manuel Fuentes
- Departamento de Psiquiatría, Clínica Alemana Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo A Gaspar
- Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Clínica Psiquiátrica Universitaria, Hospital Clínico Universidad de ChileSantiago, Chile; Facultad de Medicina, Biomedical Neuroscience Institute, Universidad de ChileSantiago, Chile; Departamento de Psiquiatría, Clínica AlemanaSantiago, Chile
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43
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Brüggen B, Kremser C, Bickert A, Ebel P, Vom Dorp K, Schultz K, Dörmann P, Willecke K, Dedek K. Defective ceramide synthases in mice cause reduced amplitudes in electroretinograms and altered sphingolipid composition in retina and cornea. Eur J Neurosci 2016; 44:1700-13. [PMID: 27086873 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Complex sphingolipids are strongly expressed in neuronal tissue and contain ceramides in their backbone. Ceramides are synthesized by six ceramide synthases (CerS1-6). Although it is known that each tissue has a unique profile of ceramide synthase expression and ceramide synthases are implicated in several neurodegenerative disorders, the expression of ceramide synthase isoforms has not been investigated in the retina. Here we demonstrate CerS1, CerS2 and CerS4 expression in mouse retina and cornea, with CerS4 ubiquitously expressed in all retinal neurons and Müller cells. To test whether ceramide synthase deficiency affects retinal function, we compared electroretinograms and retina morphology between wild-type and CerS1-, CerS2- and CerS4-deficient mice. Electroretinograms were strongly reduced in amplitude in ceramide synthase-deficient mice, suggesting that signalling in the outer retina is affected. However, the number of photoreceptors and cone outer segment length were unaltered and no changes in retinal layer thickness or synaptic structures were found. Mass spectrometric analyses of ceramides, hexosyl-ceramides and sphingomyelins showed that C20 to C24 acyl-containing species were decreased whereas C16-containing species were increased in the retina of ceramide synthase-deficient mice. Similar but smaller changes were also found in the cornea. Thus, we hypothesize that the replacement of very long-chain fatty acyl residues by shorter C16 residues may affect the electrical properties of retina and cornea, and alter receptor-mediated signal transduction, vesicle-mediated synaptic transmission or corneal light transmission. Future studies need to identify the molecular targets of ceramides or derived sphingolipids in light signal transduction and transmission in the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Brüggen
- Neurobiology, University of Oldenburg, 26111, Oldenburg, Germany
| | | | - Andreas Bickert
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Philipp Ebel
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Katharina Vom Dorp
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Konrad Schultz
- Neurobiology, University of Oldenburg, 26111, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Peter Dörmann
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Biotechnology of Plants, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Klaus Willecke
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Karin Dedek
- Neurobiology, University of Oldenburg, 26111, Oldenburg, Germany.,Research Center Neurosensory Science, University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
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44
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Wegner MS, Schiffmann S, Parnham MJ, Geisslinger G, Grösch S. The enigma of ceramide synthase regulation in mammalian cells. Prog Lipid Res 2016; 63:93-119. [PMID: 27180613 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2016.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ceramide synthases (CerS) are key enzymes in the lipid metabolism of eukaryotic cells. Their products, ceramides (Cer), are components of cellular membranes but also mediate signaling functions in physiological processes such as proliferation, skin barrier function and cerebellar development. In pathophysiological processes such as multiple sclerosis and tumor progression, ceramide levels are altered, which can be ascribed, partly, to dysregulation of CerS gene transcription. Most publications deal with the effects of altered ceramide levels on physiological and pathophysiological processes, but the regulation of the appropriate CerS is frequently not investigated. This is insufficient for the clarification of the role of ceramides, because most ceramide species are generated by at least two CerS. The mechanisms of CerS regulation are manifold and it seems that each CerS isoform is regulated individually. For this reason, we discuss the different CerS separately in this review. From transcriptional regulation to alteration of protein activity, the possibilities to influence CerS are diverse. Furthermore, CerS are influenced by a variety of molecules including hormones and lipids. Without claiming completeness, we provide a résumé of the regulatory mechanisms for each CerS in mammalian cells and how dysregulation of these mechanisms during physiological processes may lead to pathophysiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marthe-Susanna Wegner
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann- Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Susanne Schiffmann
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Project Group Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (TMP), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Michael John Parnham
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Project Group Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (TMP), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Gerd Geisslinger
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann- Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sabine Grösch
- pharmazentrum frankfurt/ZAFES, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Johann- Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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45
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Kihara A. Synthesis and degradation pathways, functions, and pathology of ceramides and epidermal acylceramides. Prog Lipid Res 2016; 63:50-69. [PMID: 27107674 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Ceramide (Cer) is a structural backbone of sphingolipids and is composed of a long-chain base and a fatty acid. Existence of a variety of Cer species, which differ in chain-length, hydroxylation status, and/or double bond number of either of their hydrophobic chains, has been reported. Ceramide is produced by Cer synthases. Mammals have six Cer synthases (CERS1-6), each of which exhibits characteristic substrate specificity toward acyl-CoAs with different chain-lengths. Knockout mice for each Cer synthase show corresponding, isozyme-specific phenotypes, revealing the functional differences of Cers with different chain-lengths. Cer diversity is especially prominent in epidermis. Changes in Cer levels, composition, and chain-lengths are associated with atopic dermatitis. Acylceramide (acyl-Cer) specifically exists in epidermis and plays an essential role in skin permeability barrier formation. Accordingly, defects in acyl-Cer synthesis cause the cutaneous disorder ichthyosis with accompanying severe skin barrier defects. Although the molecular mechanism by which acyl-Cer is generated was long unclear, most genes involved in its synthesis have been identified recently. In Cer degradation pathways, the long-chain base moiety of Cer is converted to acyl-CoA, which is then incorporated mainly into glycerophospholipids. This pathway generates the lipid mediator sphingosine 1-phosphate. This review will focus on recent advances in our understanding of the synthesis and degradation pathways, physiological functions, and pathology of Cers/acyl-Cers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akio Kihara
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12-jo, Nishi 6-choume, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan.
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46
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Sugimoto M, Wakabayashi M, Shimizu Y, Yoshioka T, Higashino K, Numata Y, Okuda T, Zhao S, Sakai S, Igarashi Y, Kuge Y. Imaging Mass Spectrometry Reveals Acyl-Chain- and Region-Specific Sphingolipid Metabolism in the Kidneys of Sphingomyelin Synthase 2-Deficient Mice. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152191. [PMID: 27010944 PMCID: PMC4806983 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity was reported to cause kidney injury by excessive accumulation of sphingolipids such as sphingomyelin and ceramide. Sphingomyelin synthase 2 (SMS2) is an important enzyme for hepatic sphingolipid homeostasis and its dysfunction is considered to result in fatty liver disease. The expression of SMS2 is also high in the kidneys. However, the contribution of SMS2 on renal sphingolipid metabolism remains unclear. Imaging mass spectrometry is a powerful tool to visualize the distribution and provide quantitative data on lipids in tissue sections. Thus, in this study, we analyzed the effects of SMS2 deficiency on the distribution and concentration of sphingomyelins in the liver and kidneys of mice fed with a normal-diet or a high-fat-diet using imaging mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Our study revealed that high-fat-diet increased C18–C22 sphingomyelins, but decreased C24-sphingomyelins, in the liver and kidneys of wild-type mice. By contrast, SMS2 deficiency decreased C18–C24 sphingomyelins in the liver. Although a similar trend was observed in the whole-kidneys, the effects were minor. Interestingly, imaging mass spectrometry revealed that sphingomyelin localization was specific to each acyl-chain length in the kidneys. Further, SMS2 deficiency mainly decreased C22-sphingomyelin in the renal medulla and C24-sphingomyelins in the renal cortex. Thus, imaging mass spectrometry can provide visual assessment of the contribution of SMS2 on acyl-chain- and region-specific sphingomyelin metabolism in the kidneys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Sugimoto
- Department of Integrated Molecular Imaging, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Shionogi Innovation Center for Drug Discovery, Discovery Research Laboratory for Innovative Frontier Medicines, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masato Wakabayashi
- Shionogi Innovation Center for Drug Discovery, Discovery Research Laboratory for Innovative Frontier Medicines, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yoichi Shimizu
- Central Institute of Isotope Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Laboratory of Bioanalysis and Molecular Imaging, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yoshioka
- Shionogi Innovation Center for Drug Discovery, Discovery Research Laboratory for Innovative Frontier Medicines, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kenichi Higashino
- Shionogi Innovation Center for Drug Discovery, Discovery Research Laboratory for Innovative Frontier Medicines, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yoshito Numata
- Shionogi Innovation Center for Drug Discovery, Discovery Research Laboratory for Innovative Frontier Medicines, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Sapporo, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Okuda
- Drug Discovery Technologies, Discovery Research Laboratory for Core Therapeutic Areas, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Toyonaka, Japan
| | - Songji Zhao
- Department of Tracer Kinetics & Bioanalysis, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Shota Sakai
- Department of Biomembrane and Biofunctional Chemistry, Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Igarashi
- Department of Biomembrane and Biofunctional Chemistry, Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yuji Kuge
- Department of Integrated Molecular Imaging, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Central Institute of Isotope Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- * E-mail:
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47
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Huston JP, Kornhuber J, Mühle C, Japtok L, Komorowski M, Mattern C, Reichel M, Gulbins E, Kleuser B, Topic B, De Souza Silva MA, Müller CP. A sphingolipid mechanism for behavioral extinction. J Neurochem 2016; 137:589-603. [PMID: 26788861 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Reward-dependent instrumental behavior must continuously be re-adjusted according to environmental conditions. Failure to adapt to changes in reward contingencies may incur psychiatric disorders like anxiety and depression. When an expected reward is omitted, behavior undergoes extinction. While extinction involves active re-learning, it is also accompanied by emotional behaviors indicative of frustration, anxiety, and despair (extinction-induced depression). Here, we report evidence for a sphingolipid mechanism in the extinction of behavior. Rapid extinction, indicating efficient re-learning, coincided with a decrease in the activity of the enzyme acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), which catalyzes turnover of sphingomyelin to ceramide, in the dorsal hippocampus of rats. The stronger the decline in ASM activity, the more rapid was the extinction. Sphingolipid-focused lipidomic analysis showed that this results in a decline of local ceramide species in the dorsal hippocampus. Ceramides shape the fluidity of lipid rafts in synaptic membranes and by that way can control neural plasticity. We also found that aging modifies activity of enzymes and ceramide levels in selective brain regions. Aging also changed how the chronic treatment with corticosterone (stress) or intranasal dopamine modified regional enzyme activity and ceramide levels, coinciding with rate of extinction. These data provide first evidence for a functional ASM-ceramide pathway in the brain involved in the extinction of learned behavior. This finding extends the known cellular mechanisms underlying behavioral plasticity to a new class of membrane-located molecules, the sphingolipids, and their regulatory enzymes, and may offer new treatment targets for extinction- and learning-related psychopathological conditions. Sphingolipids are common lipids in the brain which form lipid domains at pre- and postsynaptic membrane compartments. Here we show a decline in dorsal hippocampus ceramide species together with a reduction of acid sphingomyelinase activity during extinction of conditioned behavior in rats. This reduction was associated with expression of re-learning-related behavior, but not with emotional behaviors. Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 485.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph P Huston
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-University of Dusseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christiane Mühle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lukasz Japtok
- Institute of Nutritional Science, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, University of Potsdam, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Mara Komorowski
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-University of Dusseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Claudia Mattern
- M et P Pharma AG, Emmetten, Switzerland.,Oceanographic Center, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
| | - Martin Reichel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Erich Gulbins
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.,Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Burkhard Kleuser
- Institute of Nutritional Science, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, University of Potsdam, Nuthetal, Germany
| | - Bianca Topic
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-University of Dusseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Maria A De Souza Silva
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich-Heine-University of Dusseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christian P Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
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Gosejacob D, Jäger PS, Vom Dorp K, Frejno M, Carstensen AC, Köhnke M, Degen J, Dörmann P, Hoch M. Ceramide Synthase 5 Is Essential to Maintain C16:0-Ceramide Pools and Contributes to the Development of Diet-induced Obesity. J Biol Chem 2016; 291:6989-7003. [PMID: 26853464 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.691212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Ceramides are bioactive sphingolipids, which are composed of sphingoid bases carrying acyl chains of various lengths. Ceramides are synthesized by a family of six ceramide synthases (CerS) in mammals, which produce ceramides with differentN-linked acyl chains. Increased ceramide levels are known to contribute to the development of obesity and insulin resistance. Recently, it has been demonstrated that the ceramide acylation pattern is of particular importance for an organism to maintain energy homeostasis. However, which of theCerSfamily members are involved in this process is not yet completely known. Using newly developedCerS5knock-out mice, we show here thatCerS5is essential to maintain cellular C16:0sphingolipid pools in lung, spleen, muscle, liver, and white adipose tissue. Glycerophospholipid levels inCerS5-deficient mice were not altered. We found a strong impact of CerS5-dependent ceramide synthesis in white adipose tissue after high fat diet feeding. In skeletal muscle, liver, and spleen, C16:0-ceramide levels were altered independent of feeding conditions. The loss ofCerS5is associated with reduced weight gain and improved systemic health, including maintenance of glucose homeostasis and reduced white adipose tissue inflammation after high fat diet challenge. Our findings indicate that reduction of endogenous C16:0-ceramide by genetic inhibition ofCerS5is sufficient to ameliorate obesity and its comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominic Gosejacob
- From the LIMES-Institute, Program Unit Development, Genetics and Molecular Physiology, Molecular Developmental Biology, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Strasse 31 and
| | - Philipp S Jäger
- From the LIMES-Institute, Program Unit Development, Genetics and Molecular Physiology, Molecular Developmental Biology, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Strasse 31 and
| | - Katharina Vom Dorp
- IMBIO, Molecular Biotechnology, University of Bonn, Karlrobert-Kreiten-Str. 13, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Martin Frejno
- From the LIMES-Institute, Program Unit Development, Genetics and Molecular Physiology, Molecular Developmental Biology, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Strasse 31 and
| | - Anne C Carstensen
- From the LIMES-Institute, Program Unit Development, Genetics and Molecular Physiology, Molecular Developmental Biology, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Strasse 31 and
| | - Monika Köhnke
- From the LIMES-Institute, Program Unit Development, Genetics and Molecular Physiology, Molecular Developmental Biology, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Strasse 31 and
| | - Joachim Degen
- From the LIMES-Institute, Program Unit Development, Genetics and Molecular Physiology, Molecular Developmental Biology, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Strasse 31 and
| | - Peter Dörmann
- IMBIO, Molecular Biotechnology, University of Bonn, Karlrobert-Kreiten-Str. 13, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Hoch
- From the LIMES-Institute, Program Unit Development, Genetics and Molecular Physiology, Molecular Developmental Biology, University of Bonn, Carl-Troll-Strasse 31 and
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Ceramide Synthase 6 Is a Novel Target of Methotrexate Mediating Its Antiproliferative Effect in a p53-Dependent Manner. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146618. [PMID: 26783755 PMCID: PMC4718595 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously reported that ceramide synthase 6 (CerS6) is elevated in response to folate stress in cancer cells, leading to enhanced production of C16-ceramide and apoptosis. Antifolate methotrexate (MTX), a drug commonly used in chemotherapy of several types of cancer, is a strong inhibitor of folate metabolism. Here we investigated whether this drug targets CerS6. We observed that CerS6 protein was markedly elevated in several cancer cell lines treated with MTX. In agreement with the enzyme elevation, its product C16-ceramide was also strongly elevated, so as several other ceramide species. The increase in C16-ceramide, however, was eliminated in MTX-treated cells lacking CerS6 through siRNA silencing, while the increase in other ceramides sustained. Furthermore, the siRNA silencing of CerS6 robustly protected A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells from MTX toxicity, while the silencing of another ceramide synthase, CerS4, which was also responsive to folate stress in our previous study, did not interfere with the MTX effect. The rescue effect of CerS6 silencing upon MTX treatment was further confirmed in HCT116 and HepG2 cell lines. Interestingly, CerS6 itself, but not CerS4, induced strong antiproliferative effect in several cancer cell lines if elevated by transient transfection. The effect of MTX on CerS6 elevation was likely p53 dependent, which is in agreement with the hypothesis that the protein is a transcriptional target of p53. In line with this notion, lometrexol, the antifolate inducing cytotoxicity through the p53-independent mechanism, did not affect CerS6 levels. We have also found that MTX induces the formation of ER aggregates, enriched with CerS6 protein. We further demonstrated that such aggregation requires CerS6 and suggests that it is an indication of ER stress. Overall, our study identified CerS6 and ceramide pathways as a novel MTX target.
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Tommasino C, Marconi M, Ciarlo L, Matarrese P, Malorni W. Autophagic flux and autophagosome morphogenesis require the participation of sphingolipids. Apoptosis 2015; 20:645-57. [PMID: 25697338 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-015-1102-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Apoptosis and autophagy are two evolutionary conserved processes that exert a critical role in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. While apoptosis is a tightly regulated cell program implicated in the removal of damaged or unwanted cells, autophagy is a cellular catabolic pathway that is involved in the lysosomal degradation and recycling of proteins and organelles, and is thereby considered an important cytoprotection mechanism. Sphingolipids (SLs), which are ubiquitous membrane lipids in eukaryotes, participate in the generation of various membrane structures, including lipid rafts and caveolae, and contribute to a number of cellular functions such as cell proliferation, apoptosis and, as suggested more recently, autophagy. For instance, SLs are hypothesized to be involved in several intracellular processes, including organelle membrane scrambling, whilst at the plasma membrane lipid rafts, acting as catalytic domains, strongly contribute to the ignition of critical signaling pathways determining cell fate. In particular, by targeting several shared regulators, ceramide, sphingosine-1-phosphate, dihydroceramide, sphingomyelin and gangliosides seem able to differentially regulate the autophagic pathway and/or contribute to the autophagosome formation. This review illustrates recent studies on this matter, particularly lipid rafts, briefly underscoring the possible implication of SLs and their alterations in the autophagy disturbances and in the pathogenesis of some human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Tommasino
- Section of Cell Aging and Degeneration, Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicine Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
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