CAS 1670-26-4: sphingosyl-phosphorylcholine

Applications Involved in cell regulation, and transmembrane signaling. A putative lipid second messenger, connected via Protein Kinase C to the phosphatidylinositol-derived second messengers for signal transduction. References Kratzer, B. and Schmidt, R.R.: Liebigs Ann., 955-963 (1995)

Lysosphingomyelin is a lipid biomarker, which is derived from the breakdown of sphingomyelin through enzymatic hydrolysis. This product originates primarily from the lysosomal degradation pathway, where sphingomyelinase enzymes catalyze the generation of lysosphingomyelin, a variant of sphingolipids. Its mode of action involves serving as an indicator of lysosomal function and health, particularly in the context of sphingolipid metabolism. The primary application of lysosphingomyelin is in clinical diagnostics, especially for conditions such as Niemann-Pick Disease Types A, B, and potentially C, which are lysosomal storage disorders. Its quantification in biological samples, such as blood or tissue, provides critical insights into the pathological accumulation of sphingolipids due to enzyme deficiencies. By leveraging mass spectrometry or similar analytical techniques, researchers and clinicians can detect abnormal levels of lysosphingomyelin, thereby enabling early diagnosis and monitoring of disease progression. Furthermore, its role in research extends to exploring therapeutic strategies aimed at normalizing sphingolipid metabolism in affected individuals.

Sphingomyelins are phosphorylcholine, sphingosine, and fatty acid. Lysosphingomyelin, missing the fatty acid, activates diverse cellular pathways.