Sphingolipids: From Pathology to Therapeutic Perspectives - A Themed Honorary Issue to Prof. Lina Obeid

A special issue of Cells (ISSN 2073-4409).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2020) | Viewed by 65877

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES), Membrane Biology and Lipid Biochemistry Unit at the Kekulé-Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
Interests: sphingolipids; sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) S1P-lyase; neurodegeneration; autophagy; neurons; microglia; neuroglia

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sphingolipids are ubiquitous components of cellular membranes. Following their discovery in the brain and first description in 1884 by J.L.W. Thudichum, sphingolipids were largely overlooked for almost a century, perhaps due to their complexity and enigmatic nature. It was with the discovery of sphingolipidoses, a series of autosomatically inherited diseases caused by mutations of enzymes involved in sphingolipid degradation, leading to their intralysosomal storage, that sphingolipids came back into the limelight. The essential breakthrough came, however, decades later in the 1990s with the discovery that sphingolipids are not just structural elements of cells but also intra- and extracellular signaling molecules. It turned out that not only their complex carbohydrate headgroups but especially their lipid backbones, including ceramide and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), have selective physiological functions. Due to this new concept, sphingolipids emerged as essential players in many pathologies, including cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and autoimmune diseases. The aim of the present Special Issue is to highlight the function of sphingolipids starting from simple metabolic intermediates up to complex glycosphingolipids in diverse pathologies, with emphasis on the potential relevance of their metabolism for therapeutic strategies.

Prof. Dr. Gerhild van Echten-Deckert
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • sphingolipids
  • neurodegeneration
  • cancer
  • diabetes
  • ceramide
  • sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)
  • immune modulation

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Published Papers (15 papers)

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Editorial

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4 pages, 193 KiB  
Editorial
Special Issue on “Sphingolipids: From Pathology to Therapeutic Perspectives”
by Gerhild van Echten-Deckert
Cells 2020, 9(11), 2404; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9112404 - 3 Nov 2020
Viewed by 1824
Abstract
It is an honor for us to dedicate this Special Issue to our dearest friend Lina Obeid, who was not only a pioneer in the field of sphingolipids, but also a remarkable personality [...] Full article

Research

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17 pages, 3410 KiB  
Article
Dissecting Gq/11-Mediated Plasma Membrane Translocation of Sphingosine Kinase-1
by Kira Vanessa Blankenbach, Ralf Frederik Claas, Natalie Judith Aster, Anna Katharina Spohner, Sandra Trautmann, Nerea Ferreirós, Justin L. Black, John J. G. Tesmer, Stefan Offermanns, Thomas Wieland and Dagmar Meyer zu Heringdorf
Cells 2020, 9(10), 2201; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9102201 - 29 Sep 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2999
Abstract
Diverse extracellular signals induce plasma membrane translocation of sphingosine kinase-1 (SphK1), thereby enabling inside-out signaling of sphingosine-1-phosphate. We have shown before that Gq-coupled receptors and constitutively active Gαq/11 specifically induced a rapid and long-lasting SphK1 translocation, independently of canonical G [...] Read more.
Diverse extracellular signals induce plasma membrane translocation of sphingosine kinase-1 (SphK1), thereby enabling inside-out signaling of sphingosine-1-phosphate. We have shown before that Gq-coupled receptors and constitutively active Gαq/11 specifically induced a rapid and long-lasting SphK1 translocation, independently of canonical Gq/phospholipase C (PLC) signaling. Here, we further characterized Gq/11 regulation of SphK1. SphK1 translocation by the M3 receptor in HEK-293 cells was delayed by expression of catalytically inactive G-protein-coupled receptor kinase-2, p63Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor (p63RhoGEF), and catalytically inactive PLCβ3, but accelerated by wild-type PLCβ3 and the PLCδ PH domain. Both wild-type SphK1 and catalytically inactive SphK1-G82D reduced M3 receptor-stimulated inositol phosphate production, suggesting competition at Gαq. Embryonic fibroblasts from Gαq/11 double-deficient mice were used to show that amino acids W263 and T257 of Gαq, which interact directly with PLCβ3 and p63RhoGEF, were important for bradykinin B2 receptor-induced SphK1 translocation. Finally, an AIXXPL motif was identified in vertebrate SphK1 (positions 100–105 in human SphK1a), which resembles the Gαq binding motif, ALXXPI, in PLCβ and p63RhoGEF. After M3 receptor stimulation, SphK1-A100E-I101E and SphK1-P104A-L105A translocated in only 25% and 56% of cells, respectively, and translocation efficiency was significantly reduced. The data suggest that both the AIXXPL motif and currently unknown consequences of PLCβ/PLCδ(PH) expression are important for regulation of SphK1 by Gq/11. Full article
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13 pages, 2595 KiB  
Article
Neurodegeneration Caused by S1P-Lyase Deficiency Involves Calcium-Dependent Tau Pathology and Abnormal Histone Acetylation
by Shah Alam, Antonia Piazzesi, Mariam Abd El Fatah, Maren Raucamp and Gerhild van Echten-Deckert
Cells 2020, 9(10), 2189; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9102189 - 28 Sep 2020
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3514
Abstract
We have shown that sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) generated by sphingosine kinase 2 (SK2) is toxic in neurons lacking S1P-lyase (SGPL1), the enzyme that catalyzes its irreversible cleavage. Interestingly, patients harboring mutations in the gene encoding this enzyme (SGPL1) often present with [...] Read more.
We have shown that sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) generated by sphingosine kinase 2 (SK2) is toxic in neurons lacking S1P-lyase (SGPL1), the enzyme that catalyzes its irreversible cleavage. Interestingly, patients harboring mutations in the gene encoding this enzyme (SGPL1) often present with neurological pathologies. Studies in a mouse model with a developmental neural-specific ablation of SGPL1 (SGPL1fl/fl/Nes) confirmed the importance of S1P metabolism for the presynaptic architecture and neuronal autophagy, known to be essential for brain health. We now investigated in SGPL1-deficient murine brains two other factors involved in neurodegenerative processes, namely tau phosphorylation and histone acetylation. In hippocampal and cortical slices SGPL1 deficiency and hence S1P accumulation are accompanied by hyperphosphorylation of tau and an elevated acetylation of histone3 (H3) and histone4 (H4). Calcium chelation with BAPTA-AM rescued both tau hyperphosphorylation and histone acetylation, designating calcium as an essential mediator of these (patho)physiological functions of S1P in the brain. Studies in primary cultured neurons and astrocytes derived from SGPL1fl/fl/Nes mice revealed hyperphosphorylated tau only in SGPL1-deficient neurons and increased histone acetylation only in SGPL1-deficient astrocytes. Both could be reversed to control values with BAPTA-AM, indicating the close interdependence of S1P metabolism, calcium homeostasis, and brain health. Full article
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18 pages, 4575 KiB  
Article
Exogenous Flupirtine as Potential Treatment for CLN3 Disease
by Katia Maalouf, Joelle Makoukji, Sara Saab, Nadine J. Makhoul, Angelica V. Carmona, Nihar Kinarivala, Noël Ghanem, Paul C. Trippier and Rose-Mary Boustany
Cells 2020, 9(8), 1872; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9081872 - 11 Aug 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3668
Abstract
CLN3 disease is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder affecting children. Hallmarks include brain atrophy, accelerated neuronal apoptosis, and ceramide elevation. Treatment regimens are supportive, highlighting the importance of novel, disease-modifying drugs. Flupirtine and its new allyl carbamate derivative (compound 6) confer neuroprotective effects in [...] Read more.
CLN3 disease is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder affecting children. Hallmarks include brain atrophy, accelerated neuronal apoptosis, and ceramide elevation. Treatment regimens are supportive, highlighting the importance of novel, disease-modifying drugs. Flupirtine and its new allyl carbamate derivative (compound 6) confer neuroprotective effects in CLN3-deficient cells. This study lays the groundwork for investigating beneficial effects in Cln3Δex7/8 mice. WT/Cln3Δex7/8 mice received flupirtine/compound 6/vehicle for 14 weeks. Short-term effect of flupirtine or compound 6 was tested using a battery of behavioral testing. For flupirtine, gene expression profiles, astrogliosis, and neuronal cell counts were determined. Flupirtine improved neurobehavioral parameters in open field, pole climbing, and Morris water maze tests in Cln3Δex7/8 mice. Several anti-apoptotic markers and ceramide synthesis/degradation enzymes expression was dysregulated in Cln3Δex7/8 mice. Flupirtine reduced astrogliosis in hippocampus and motor cortex of male and female Cln3Δex7/8 mice. Flupirtine increased neuronal cell counts in male mice. The newly synthesized compound 6 showed promising results in open field and pole climbing. In conclusion, flupirtine improved behavioral, neuropathological and biochemical parameters in Cln3Δex7/8 mice, paving the way for potential therapies for CLN3 disease. Full article
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22 pages, 5045 KiB  
Article
Cystic Fibrosis Defective Response to Infection Involves Autophagy and Lipid Metabolism
by Alessandra Mingione, Emerenziana Ottaviano, Matteo Barcella, Ivan Merelli, Lorenzo Rosso, Tatiana Armeni, Natalia Cirilli, Riccardo Ghidoni, Elisa Borghi and Paola Signorelli
Cells 2020, 9(8), 1845; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9081845 - 6 Aug 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3558
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a hereditary disease, with 70% of patients developing a proteinopathy related to the deletion of phenylalanine 508. CF is associated with multiple organ dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and recurrent lung infections. CF is characterized by defective autophagy, lipid metabolism, and [...] Read more.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a hereditary disease, with 70% of patients developing a proteinopathy related to the deletion of phenylalanine 508. CF is associated with multiple organ dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and recurrent lung infections. CF is characterized by defective autophagy, lipid metabolism, and immune response. Intracellular lipid accumulation favors microbial infection, and autophagy deficiency impairs internalized pathogen clearance. Myriocin, an inhibitor of sphingolipid synthesis, significantly reduces inflammation, promotes microbial clearance in the lungs, and induces autophagy and lipid oxidation. RNA-seq was performed in Aspergillusfumigatus-infected and myriocin-treated CF patients’ derived monocytes and in a CF bronchial epithelial cell line. Fungal clearance was also evaluated in CF monocytes. Myriocin enhanced CF patients’ monocytes killing of A. fumigatus. CF patients’ monocytes and cell line responded to infection with a profound transcriptional change; myriocin regulates genes that are involved in inflammation, autophagy, lipid storage, and metabolism, including histones and heat shock proteins whose activity is related to the response to infection. We conclude that the regulation of sphingolipid synthesis induces a metabolism drift by promoting autophagy and lipid consumption. This process is driven by a transcriptional program that corrects part of the differences between CF and control samples, therefore ameliorating the infection response and pathogen clearance in the CF cell line and in CF peripheral blood monocytes. Full article
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17 pages, 1867 KiB  
Article
Opposing Roles of S1P3 Receptors in Myocardial Function
by Dina Wafa, Nóra Koch, Janka Kovács, Margit Kerék, Richard L. Proia, Gábor J. Tigyi, Zoltán Benyó and Zsuzsanna Miklós
Cells 2020, 9(8), 1770; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9081770 - 24 Jul 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3114
Abstract
Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a lysophospholipid mediator with diverse biological function mediated by S1P1–5 receptors. Whereas S1P was shown to protect the heart against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, other studies highlighted its vasoconstrictor effects. We aimed to separate the beneficial and potentially deleterious cardiac [...] Read more.
Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a lysophospholipid mediator with diverse biological function mediated by S1P1–5 receptors. Whereas S1P was shown to protect the heart against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, other studies highlighted its vasoconstrictor effects. We aimed to separate the beneficial and potentially deleterious cardiac effects of S1P during I/R and identify the signaling pathways involved. Wild type (WT), S1P2-KO and S1P3-KO Langendorff-perfused murine hearts were exposed to intravascular S1P, I/R, or both. S1P induced a 45% decrease of coronary flow (CF) in WT-hearts. The presence of S1P-chaperon albumin did not modify this effect. CF reduction diminished in S1P3-KO but not in S1P2-KO hearts, indicating that in our model S1P3 mediates coronary vasoconstriction. In I/R experiments, S1P3 deficiency had no influence on postischemic CF but diminished functional recovery and increased infarct size, indicating a cardioprotective effect of S1P3. Preischemic S1P exposure resulted in a substantial reduction of postischemic CF and cardiac performance and increased the infarcted area. Although S1P3 deficiency increased postischemic CF, this failed to improve cardiac performance. These results indicate a dual role of S1P3 involving a direct protective action on the myocardium and a cardiosuppressive effect due to coronary vasoconstriction. In acute coronary syndrome when S1P may be released abundantly, intravascular and myocardial S1P production might have competing influences on myocardial function via activation of S1P3 receptors. Full article
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12 pages, 1272 KiB  
Article
The Forebrain-Specific Overexpression of Acid Sphingomyelinase Induces Depressive-Like Symptoms in Mice
by Iulia Zoicas, Fabian Schumacher, Burkhard Kleuser, Martin Reichel, Erich Gulbins, Anna Fejtova, Johannes Kornhuber and Cosima Rhein
Cells 2020, 9(5), 1244; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9051244 - 18 May 2020
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3396
Abstract
Human and murine studies identified the lysosomal enzyme acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) as a target for antidepressant therapy and revealed its role in the pathophysiology of major depression. In this study, we generated a mouse model with overexpression of Asm (Asm-tgfb) that [...] Read more.
Human and murine studies identified the lysosomal enzyme acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) as a target for antidepressant therapy and revealed its role in the pathophysiology of major depression. In this study, we generated a mouse model with overexpression of Asm (Asm-tgfb) that is restricted to the forebrain to rule out any systemic effects of Asm overexpression on depressive-like symptoms. The increase in Asm activity was higher in male Asm-tgfb mice than in female Asm-tgfb mice due to the breeding strategy, which allows for the generation of wild-type littermates as appropriate controls. Asm overexpression in the forebrain of male mice resulted in a depressive-like phenotype, whereas in female mice, Asm overexpression resulted in a social anxiogenic-like phenotype. Ceramides in male Asm-tgfb mice were elevated specifically in the dorsal hippocampus. mRNA expression analyses indicated that the increase in Asm activity affected other ceramide-generating pathways, which might help to balance ceramide levels in cortical brain regions. This forebrain-specific mouse model offers a novel tool for dissecting the molecular mechanisms that play a role in the pathophysiology of major depression. Full article
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11 pages, 901 KiB  
Article
Anxiety and Depression Are Related to Higher Activity of Sphingolipid Metabolizing Enzymes in the Rat Brain
by Iulia Zoicas, Christiane Mühle, Anna K. Schmidtner, Erich Gulbins, Inga D. Neumann and Johannes Kornhuber
Cells 2020, 9(5), 1239; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9051239 - 17 May 2020
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3774
Abstract
Changes in sphingolipid metabolism have been suggested to contribute to the pathophysiology of major depression. In this study, we investigated the activity of acid and neutral sphingomyelinases (ASM, NSM) and ceramidases (AC, NC), respectively, in twelve brain regions of female rats selectively bred [...] Read more.
Changes in sphingolipid metabolism have been suggested to contribute to the pathophysiology of major depression. In this study, we investigated the activity of acid and neutral sphingomyelinases (ASM, NSM) and ceramidases (AC, NC), respectively, in twelve brain regions of female rats selectively bred for high (HAB) versus low (LAB) anxiety-like behavior. Concomitant with their highly anxious and depressive-like phenotype, HAB rats showed increased activity of ASM and NSM as well as of AC and NC in multiple brain regions associated with anxiety- and depressive-like behavior, including the lateral septum, hypothalamus, ventral hippocampus, ventral and dorsal mesencephalon. Strong correlations between anxiety-like behavior and ASM activity were found in female HAB rats in the amygdala, ventral hippocampus and dorsal mesencephalon, whereas NSM activity correlated with anxiety levels in the dorsal mesencephalon. These results provide novel information about the sphingolipid metabolism, especially about the sphingomyelinases and ceramidases, in major depression and comorbid anxiety. Full article
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16 pages, 3603 KiB  
Article
Inflammatory Conditions Disrupt Constitutive Endothelial Cell Barrier Stabilization by Alleviating Autonomous Secretion of Sphingosine 1-Phosphate
by Jefri Jeya Paul, Cynthia Weigel, Tina Müller, Regine Heller, Sarah Spiegel and Markus H. Gräler
Cells 2020, 9(4), 928; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9040928 - 10 Apr 2020
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 5036
Abstract
The breakdown of the endothelial cell (EC) barrier contributes significantly to sepsis mortality. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is one of the most effective EC barrier-stabilizing signaling molecules. Stabilization is mainly transduced via the S1P receptor type 1 (S1PR1). Here, we demonstrate that S1P was [...] Read more.
The breakdown of the endothelial cell (EC) barrier contributes significantly to sepsis mortality. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is one of the most effective EC barrier-stabilizing signaling molecules. Stabilization is mainly transduced via the S1P receptor type 1 (S1PR1). Here, we demonstrate that S1P was autonomously produced by ECs. S1P secretion was significantly higher in primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) compared to the endothelial cell line EA.hy926. Constitutive barrier stability of HUVEC, but not EA.hy926, was significantly compromised by the S1PR1 antagonist W146 and by the anti-S1P antibody Sphingomab. HUVEC and EA.hy926 differed in the expression of the S1P-transporter Spns2, which allowed HUVEC, but not EA.hy926, to secrete S1P into the extracellular space. Spns2 deficient mice showed increased serum albumin leakage in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Lung ECs isolated from Spns2 deficient mice revealed increased leakage of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled dextran and decreased resistance in electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) measurements. Spns2 was down-regulated in HUVEC after stimulation with pro-inflammatory cytokines and lipopolysaccharides (LPS), which contributed to destabilization of the EC barrier. Our work suggests a new mechanism for barrier integrity maintenance. Secretion of S1P by EC via Spns2 contributed to constitutive EC barrier maintenance, which was disrupted under inflammatory conditions via the down-regulation of the S1P-transporter Spns2. Full article
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Review

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12 pages, 402 KiB  
Review
Transcriptional Regulation of Sphingosine Kinase 1
by Joseph Bonica, Cungui Mao, Lina M. Obeid and Yusuf A. Hannun
Cells 2020, 9(11), 2437; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9112437 - 8 Nov 2020
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3266
Abstract
Once thought to be primarily structural in nature, sphingolipids have become increasingly appreciated as second messengers in a wide array of signaling pathways. Sphingosine kinase 1, or SK1, is one of two sphingosine kinases that phosphorylate sphingosine into sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). S1P is generally [...] Read more.
Once thought to be primarily structural in nature, sphingolipids have become increasingly appreciated as second messengers in a wide array of signaling pathways. Sphingosine kinase 1, or SK1, is one of two sphingosine kinases that phosphorylate sphingosine into sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). S1P is generally pro-inflammatory, pro-angiogenic, immunomodulatory, and pro-survival; therefore, high SK1 expression and activity have been associated with certain inflammatory diseases and cancer. It is thus important to develop an understanding of the regulation of SK1 expression and activity. In this review, we explore the current literature on SK1 transcriptional regulation, illustrating a complex system of transcription factors, cytokines, and even micro-RNAs (miRNAs) on the post transcriptional level. Full article
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29 pages, 2169 KiB  
Review
New Insights into the Role of Sphingolipid Metabolism in Melanoma
by Lorry Carrié, Mathieu Virazels, Carine Dufau, Anne Montfort, Thierry Levade, Bruno Ségui and Nathalie Andrieu-Abadie
Cells 2020, 9(9), 1967; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9091967 - 26 Aug 2020
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4520
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is a deadly skin cancer whose aggressiveness is directly linked to its metastatic potency. Despite remarkable breakthroughs in term of treatments with the emergence of targeted therapy and immunotherapy, the prognosis for metastatic patients remains uncertain mainly because of resistances. Better [...] Read more.
Cutaneous melanoma is a deadly skin cancer whose aggressiveness is directly linked to its metastatic potency. Despite remarkable breakthroughs in term of treatments with the emergence of targeted therapy and immunotherapy, the prognosis for metastatic patients remains uncertain mainly because of resistances. Better understanding the mechanisms responsible for melanoma progression is therefore essential to uncover new therapeutic targets. Interestingly, the sphingolipid metabolism is dysregulated in melanoma and is associated with melanoma progression and resistance to treatment. This review summarises the impact of the sphingolipid metabolism on melanoma from the initiation to metastatic dissemination with emphasis on melanoma plasticity, immune responses and resistance to treatments. Full article
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31 pages, 1725 KiB  
Review
Sphingolipids in Type 1 Diabetes: Focus on Beta-Cells
by Ewa Gurgul-Convey
Cells 2020, 9(8), 1835; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9081835 - 4 Aug 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4810
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is a chronic autoimmune disease, with a strong genetic background, leading to a gradual loss of pancreatic beta-cells, which secrete insulin and control glucose homeostasis. Patients with T1DM require life-long substitution with insulin and are at high risk for [...] Read more.
Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is a chronic autoimmune disease, with a strong genetic background, leading to a gradual loss of pancreatic beta-cells, which secrete insulin and control glucose homeostasis. Patients with T1DM require life-long substitution with insulin and are at high risk for development of severe secondary complications. The incidence of T1DM has been continuously growing in the last decades, indicating an important contribution of environmental factors. Accumulating data indicates that sphingolipids may be crucially involved in T1DM development. The serum lipidome of T1DM patients is characterized by significantly altered sphingolipid composition compared to nondiabetic, healthy probands. Recently, several polymorphisms in the genes encoding the enzymatic machinery for sphingolipid production have been identified in T1DM individuals. Evidence gained from studies in rodent islets and beta-cells exposed to cytokines indicates dysregulation of the sphingolipid biosynthetic pathway and impaired function of several sphingolipids. Moreover, a number of glycosphingolipids have been suggested to act as beta-cell autoantigens. Studies in animal models of autoimmune diabetes, such as the Non Obese Diabetic (NOD) mouse and the LEW.1AR1-iddm (IDDM) rat, indicate a crucial role of sphingolipids in immune cell trafficking, islet infiltration and diabetes development. In this review, the up-to-date status on the findings about sphingolipids in T1DM will be provided, the under-investigated research areas will be identified and perspectives for future studies will be given. Full article
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19 pages, 2310 KiB  
Review
Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Metabolism in the Regulation of Obesity/Type 2 Diabetes
by Jeanne Guitton, Cécile L. Bandet, Mohamed L. Mariko, Sophie Tan-Chen, Olivier Bourron, Yacir Benomar, Eric Hajduch and Hervé Le Stunff
Cells 2020, 9(7), 1682; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9071682 - 13 Jul 2020
Cited by 46 | Viewed by 5319
Abstract
Obesity is a pathophysiological condition where excess free fatty acids (FFA) target and promote the dysfunctioning of insulin sensitive tissues and of pancreatic β cells. This leads to the dysregulation of glucose homeostasis, which culminates in the onset of type 2 diabetes (T2D). [...] Read more.
Obesity is a pathophysiological condition where excess free fatty acids (FFA) target and promote the dysfunctioning of insulin sensitive tissues and of pancreatic β cells. This leads to the dysregulation of glucose homeostasis, which culminates in the onset of type 2 diabetes (T2D). FFA, which accumulate in these tissues, are metabolized as lipid derivatives such as ceramide, and the ectopic accumulation of the latter has been shown to lead to lipotoxicity. Ceramide is an active lipid that inhibits the insulin signaling pathway as well as inducing pancreatic β cell death. In mammals, ceramide is a key lipid intermediate for sphingolipid metabolism as is sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P). S1P levels have also been associated with the development of obesity and T2D. In this review, the current knowledge on S1P metabolism in regulating insulin signaling in pancreatic β cell fate and in the regulation of feeding by the hypothalamus in the context of obesity and T2D is summarized. It demonstrates that S1P can display opposite effects on insulin sensitive tissues and pancreatic β cells, which depends on its origin or its degradation pathway. Full article
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34 pages, 2981 KiB  
Review
The S1P–S1PR Axis in Neurological Disorders—Insights into Current and Future Therapeutic Perspectives
by Alexandra Lucaciu, Robert Brunkhorst, Josef M. Pfeilschifter, Waltraud Pfeilschifter and Julien Subburayalu
Cells 2020, 9(6), 1515; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9061515 - 22 Jun 2020
Cited by 40 | Viewed by 10476
Abstract
Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), derived from membrane sphingolipids, is a pleiotropic bioactive lipid mediator capable of evoking complex immune phenomena. Studies have highlighted its importance regarding intracellular signaling cascades as well as membrane-bound S1P receptor (S1PR) engagement in various clinical conditions. In neurological disorders, [...] Read more.
Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), derived from membrane sphingolipids, is a pleiotropic bioactive lipid mediator capable of evoking complex immune phenomena. Studies have highlighted its importance regarding intracellular signaling cascades as well as membrane-bound S1P receptor (S1PR) engagement in various clinical conditions. In neurological disorders, the S1P–S1PR axis is acknowledged in neurodegenerative, neuroinflammatory, and cerebrovascular disorders. Modulators of S1P signaling have enabled an immense insight into fundamental pathological pathways, which were pivotal in identifying and improving the treatment of human diseases. However, its intricate molecular signaling pathways initiated upon receptor ligation are still poorly elucidated. In this review, the authors highlight the current evidence for S1P signaling in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders as well as stroke and present an array of drugs targeting the S1P signaling pathway, which are being tested in clinical trials. Further insights on how the S1P–S1PR axis orchestrates disease initiation, progression, and recovery may hold a remarkable potential regarding therapeutic options in these neurological disorders. Full article
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20 pages, 2124 KiB  
Review
Elusive Roles of the Different Ceramidases in Human Health, Pathophysiology, and Tissue Regeneration
by Carolina Duarte, Juliet Akkaoui, Chiaki Yamada, Anny Ho, Cungui Mao and Alexandru Movila
Cells 2020, 9(6), 1379; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9061379 - 2 Jun 2020
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5446
Abstract
Ceramide and sphingosine are important interconvertible sphingolipid metabolites which govern various signaling pathways related to different aspects of cell survival and senescence. The conversion of ceramide into sphingosine is mediated by ceramidases. Altogether, five human ceramidases—named acid ceramidase, neutral ceramidase, alkaline ceramidase 1, [...] Read more.
Ceramide and sphingosine are important interconvertible sphingolipid metabolites which govern various signaling pathways related to different aspects of cell survival and senescence. The conversion of ceramide into sphingosine is mediated by ceramidases. Altogether, five human ceramidases—named acid ceramidase, neutral ceramidase, alkaline ceramidase 1, alkaline ceramidase 2, and alkaline ceramidase 3—have been identified as having maximal activities in acidic, neutral, and alkaline environments, respectively. All five ceramidases have received increased attention for their implications in various diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and Farber disease. Furthermore, the potential anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of ceramidases in host cells exposed to pathogenic bacteria and viruses have also been demonstrated. While ceramidases have been a subject of study in recent decades, our knowledge of their pathophysiology remains limited. Thus, this review provides a critical evaluation and interpretive analysis of existing literature on the role of acid, neutral, and alkaline ceramidases in relation to human health and various diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and infectious diseases. In addition, the essential impact of ceramidases on tissue regeneration, as well as their usefulness in enzyme replacement therapy, is also discussed. Full article
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