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The brain is enriched with sphingolipids, which are important membrane constituents and major lipid signaling molecules that have a role in motor and cognitive behavior. Vitamin K has been implicated in brain sphingolipid metabolism for more than 30 years. The in vitro and in vivo studies to date suggest a role of vitamin K in the regulation of multiple enzymes involved in sphingolipid metabolism within the myelin-rich regions in the brain. However, the precise mechanisms of action are not well understood. Further, the physiological consequences of the observed effects of vitamin K on sphingolipid metabolism have not been systematically studied. doi: 10.1301/nr.2005.apr.111-121 Key words: vitamin K, sphingolipids, lipid signaling

Folate receptors are connected to plasma membranes through a glycosylphosphatidylinositol connector. They must have both sphingolipids and cholesterol in the membrane to be fully active. Treatment of cells in culture with the mycotoxin fumonisin B1 essentially stopped uptake of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. Fumonisin B1 inhibits sphingolipid synthesis.