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Efficient degradation of phagocytic cargo in lysosomes is crucial to maintain cellular homeostasis and defending cells against pathogens. However, the mechanisms underlying the degradation and recycling of macromolecular cargo within the phagolysosome remain incompletely understood. We previously reported that the phagolysosome containing the corpse of the polar body in C. elegans tubulates into small vesicles to facilitate corpse clearance, a process that requires cargo protein degradation and amino acid export. Here we show that degradation of hexosylceramides by the prosaposin ortholog SPP-10 and glucosylceramidases is required for timely corpse clearance. We observed accumulation of membranous structures inside endolysosomes of spp-10-deficient worms, which are likely caused by increased hexosylceramide species. spp-10 deficiency also caused alteration of additional sphingolipid subclasses, like dihydroceramides, 2-OH-ceramides, and dihydrosphingomyelins. While corpse engulfment, initial breakdown of corpse membrane inside the phagolysosome and lumen acidification proceeded normally in spp-10-deficient worms, formation of the cargo-containing vesicles from the corpse phagolysosome was reduced, resulting in delayed cargo degradation and phagolysosome resolution. Thus, by combining ultrastructural studies and sphingolipidomic analysis with observing single phagolysosomes over time, we identified a role of prosaposin/SPP-10 in maintaining phagolysosomal structure, which promotes efficient resolution of phagocytic cargos.

Adiponectin receptor 1 (ADIPOR1) is a lipid and glucose metabolism regulator that possesses intrinsic ceramidase activity. Mutations of the ADIPOR1 gene have been associated with nonsyndromic and syndromic retinitis pigmentosa. Here, we show that the absence of AdipoR1 in mice leads to progressive photoreceptor degeneration, significant reduction of electroretinogram amplitudes, decreased retinoid content in the retina, and reduced cone opsin expression. Single-cell RNA-Seq results indicate that ADIPOR1 encoded the most abundantly expressed ceramidase in mice and one of the 2 most highly expressed ceramidases in the human retina, next to acid ceramidase ASAH1. We discovered an accumulation of ceramides in the AdipoR1-/- retina, likely due to insufficient ceramidase activity for healthy retina function, resulting in photoreceptor death. Combined treatment with desipramine/L-cycloserine (DC) lowered ceramide levels and exerted a protective effect on photoreceptors in AdipoR1-/- mice. Moreover, we observed improvement in cone-mediated retinal function in the DC-treated animals. Lastly, we found that prolonged DC treatment corrected the electrical responses of the primary visual cortex to visual stimuli, approaching near-normal levels for some parameters. These results highlight the importance of ADIPOR1 ceramidase in the retina and show that pharmacological inhibition of ceramide generation can provide a therapeutic strategy for ADIPOR1-related retinopathy.

Background: Breast cancer mortality is principally due to recurrent disease that becomes resistant to therapy. We recently identified copy number (CN) gain of the putative membrane progesterone receptor PAQR8 as one of four focal CN alterations that preferentially occurred in recurrent metastatic tumors compared to primary tumors in breast cancer patients. Whether PAQR8 plays a functional role in cancer is unknown. Notably, PAQR8 CN gain in recurrent tumors was mutually exclusive with activating ESR1 mutations in patients treated with anti-estrogen therapies and occurred in > 50% of both patients treated with anti-estrogen therapies and those treated with chemotherapy or anti-Her2 agents. Methods: We used orthotopic mouse models to determine whether PAQR8 overexpression or deletion alters breast cancer dormancy or recurrence following therapy. In vitro studies, including assays for colony formation, cell viability, and relative cell fitness, were employed to identify effects of PAQR8 in the context of therapy. Cell survival and proliferation were quantified by immunofluorescence staining for markers of apoptosis and proliferation. Sphingolipids were quantified by liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. Results: We show that PAQR8 is necessary and sufficient for efficient mammary tumor recurrence in mice, spontaneously upregulated and CN gained in recurrent tumors that arise following therapy in multiple mouse models, and associated with poor survival following recurrence as well as poor overall survival in breast cancer patients. PAQR8 promoted resistance to therapy by enhancing tumor cell survival following estrogen receptor pathway inhibition by fulvestrant or estrogen deprivation, Her2 pathway blockade by lapatinib or Her2 downregulation, and treatment with chemotherapeutic agents. Pro-survival effects of PAQR8 were mediated by a Gi protein-dependent reduction in cAMP levels, did not require progesterone, and involved a PAQR8-dependent decrease in ceramide levels and increase in sphingosine-1-phosphate levels, suggesting that PAQR8 may possess ceramidase activity. Conclusions: Our data provide in vivo evidence that PAQR8 plays a functional role in cancer, implicate PAQR8, cAMP, and ceramide metabolism in breast cancer recurrence, and identify a novel mechanism that may commonly contribute to the acquisition of treatment resistance in breast cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient degradation of phagocytic cargo in lysosomes is crucial to maintain cellular homeostasis and defending cells against pathogens. However, the mechanisms underlying the degradation and recycling of macromolecular cargo within the phagolysosome remain incompletely understood. We previously reported that the phagolysosome containing the corpse of the polar body in C. elegans tubulates into small vesicles to facilitate corpse clearance, a process that requires cargo protein degradation and amino acid export. Here we show that degradation of hexosylceramides by the prosaposin ortholog SPP-10 and glucosylceramidases is required for timely corpse clearance. We observed accumulation of membranous structures inside endolysosomes of spp-10- deficient worms, which are likely caused by increased hexosylceramide species. spp-10 deficiency also caused alteration of additional sphingolipid subclasses, like dihydroceramides, 2-OH-ceramides, and dihydrosphingomyelins. While corpse engulfment, initial breakdown of corpse membrane inside the phagolysosome and lumen acidification proceeded normally in spp-10 -deficient worms, formation of the cargo-containing vesicles from the corpse phagolysosome was reduced, resulting in delayed cargo degradation and phagolysosome resolution. Thus, by combining ultrastructural studies and sphingolipidomic analysis with observing single phagolysosomes over time, we identified a role of prosaposin/SPP-10 in maintaining phagolysosomal structure, which promotes efficient resolution of phagocytic cargos. • Cells phagocytose cell corpses for degradation in lysosomes. • Final steps of cargo degradation and phagolysosome resolution remain understudied. • Prosaposin/SPP-10 is required for maintaining lysosomal morphology and function. • SPP-10 is needed for regulating levels of sphingolipids including hexosylceramides. • This pathway is required for piecemealing and clearing cell corpse phagolysosomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in the expression of genes for enzymes of sphingolipid metabolism in transgenic FUS mice (FUS (1-359)) simulating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) were found. The profiles of molecular species of sphingomyelins (SM) and ceramides (CER) in the structure of the brain and in the spinal cord were analyzed. During the development of ALS, changes in the spectrum of molecular types of CER were noted only in the spinal cord, where almost all CER decreased in relation to the control after two and three months of the course of the disease. After four months of the development of the pathology, an increase in the expression of the acid ceramidase gene was observed, as a result of which sphingosine can be formed, which has pronounced proapoptotic properties. Analysis of gene expression of CER and galactosylceramide (GalCER) metabolism enzymes indicates the possibility of GalCER functioning as a source for maintaining CER levels at the terminal stage of ALS. Thus, the metabolism of sphingolipids is a promising field of study of the processes associated with ALS, both in the context of the search for potential diagnostic markers and effective drugs, and for explaining the pathogenesis of ALS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ceramides are a family of bioactive lipid-derived messengers involved in the control of cellular senescence, inflammation, and apoptosis. Ceramide hydrolysis by acid ceramidase (AC) stops the biological activity of these substances and influences survival and function of normal and neoplastic cells. Because of its central role in the ceramide metabolism, AC may offer a novel molecular target in disorders with dysfunctional ceramide-mediated signaling. Here, a class of benzoxazolone carboxamides is identified as the first potent and systemically active inhibitors of AC. Prototype members of this class inhibit AC with low nanomolar potency by covalent binding to the catalytic cysteine. Their metabolic stability and high in vivo efficacy suggest that these compounds may be used as probes to investigate the roles of ceramide in health and disease, and that this scaffold may represent a promising starting point for the development of novel therapeutic agents.

We recently discovered that a signaling lipid, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), generated by sphingosine kinase 1, regulates a major epidermal antimicrobial peptides [cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide (CAMP)] expression via an NF-κB→C/EBPα-dependent pathway, independent of vitamin D receptor (VDR) in epithelial cells. Activation of estrogen receptors (ERs) by either estrogens or phytoestrogens also is known to stimulate S1P production, but it is unknown whether ER activation increases CAMP production. We investigated whether a phytoestrogen, genistein, simulates CAMP expression in keratinocytes, a model of epithelial cells, by either a S1P-dependent mechanism(s) or the alternate VDR-regulated pathway. Exogenous genistein, as well as an ER-β ligand, WAY-200070, increased CAMP mRNA and protein expression in cultured human keratinocytes, while ER-β antagonist, ICI182780, attenuated the expected genistein- and WAY-200070-induced increase in CAMP mRNA/protein expression. Genistein treatment increased acidic and alkaline ceramidase expression and cellular S1P levels in parallel with increased S1P lyase inhibition, accounting for increased CAMP production. In contrast, siRNA against VDR did not alter genistein-mediated up-regulation of CAMP. Taken together, genistein induces CAMP production via an ER-β→S1P→NF-κB→C/EBPα- rather than a VDR-dependent mechanism, illuminating a new role for estrogens in the regulation of epithelial innate immunity and pointing to potential additional benefits of dietary genistein in enhancing cutaneous antimicrobial defense.

Lipid amidases of therapeutic relevance include acid ceramidase (AC), N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase, and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Although fluorogenic substrates have been developed for the three enzymes and high-throughput methods for screening have been reported, a platform for the specific detection of these enzyme activities in intact cells is lacking. In this article, we report on the coumarinic 1-deoxydihydroceramide RBM1-151, a 1-deoxy derivative and vinilog of RBM14-C12, as a novel substrate of amidases. This compound is hydrolyzed by AC ( app K m  = 7.0 μM; app V max  = 99.3 nM/min), N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase ( app K m  = 0.73 μM; app V max  = 0.24 nM/min), and FAAH ( app K m  = 3.6 μM; app V max  = 7.6 nM/min) but not by other ceramidases. We provide proof of concept that the use of RBM1-151 in combination with reported irreversible inhibitors of AC and FAAH allows the determination in parallel of the three amidase activities in single experiments in intact cells., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest with the contents of this article., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Strategies for cancer therapy involve radiation therapy (RT), which accounts for about 40% of all cancer treatment types. As to current chemotherapeutics, cancer cells also develop resistance that remains a clinical problem, such as disease recurrence. Recent studies focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms of radiation-induced cell death. Conventional RT aims at treatment with a single fraction per day of 8-30 Gy per fraction. Radiotherapy increases intracellular ceramide levels that trigger cell death. Additionally, increasing intracellular ceramide by radiation may restore therapeutic sensitivity to cancer treatments. Drugs that inhibit ceramide-metabolizing enzymes like ceramidases are expected to be radiotherapy sensitizers., Materials and Methods: In this research, we investigated the proapoptotic effects of SRS alone and in combination with ceranib-2, a ceramidase inhibitor in human breast adenocarcinoma cells. The molecular mechanism of action of RT and ceranib-2 was investigated on MCF-7 cells exposed to 13 µM ceranib-2 for 24 hours following 20 Gy radiation using MTT, radiotherapy, and annexin-V analyses., Results: Results indicated that the dose of 20 Gy radiation induces apoptosis on human breast cancer cells with and without co-treatment with ceranib-2 by causing cytotoxicity in the cells. Based on the results of ceranib-2 exposure, it can be concluded that the mechanism of action may rely on an increase of intracellular ceramides, also called apoptotic lipids., Conclusions: The study results suggest that co-treatment of human breast adenocarcinoma cells with a ceramidase inhibitor, ceranib-2, and a high dose of radiation of 20 Gy exerted cytotoxicity and apoptosis and might be a solid, potent alternative to current therapy strategies.

Purpose: Coffee is widely consumed and implicated in numerous health outcomes but the mechanisms by which coffee contributes to health is unclear. The purpose of this study was to test the effect of coffee drinking on candidate proteins involved in cardiovascular, immuno-oncological and neurological pathways. Methods: We examined fasting serum samples collected from a previously reported single blinded, three-stage clinical trial. Forty-seven habitual coffee consumers refrained from drinking coffee for 1 month, consumed 4 cups of coffee/day in the second month and 8 cups/day in the third month. Samples collected after each coffee stage were analyzed using three multiplex proximity extension assays that, after quality control, measured a total of 247 proteins implicated in cardiovascular, immuno-oncological and neurological pathways and of which 59 were previously linked to coffee exposure. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to test the relationship between coffee treatment and each protein. Results: Two neurology-related proteins including carboxypeptidase M (CPM) and neutral ceramidase (N-CDase or ASAH2), significantly increased after coffee intake (P < 0.05 and Q < 0.05). An additional 46 proteins were nominally associated with coffee intake (P < 0.05 and Q > 0.05); 9, 8 and 29 of these proteins related to cardiovascular, immuno-oncological and neurological pathways, respectively, and the levels of 41 increased with coffee intake. Conclusions: CPM and N-CDase levels increased in response to coffee intake. These proteins have not previously been linked to coffee and are thus novel markers of coffee response worthy of further study. Clinical trial registry: http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN12547806. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Sphingolipids act as regulators of programmed cell death (PCD) and the plant defence response. The homeostasis between long‐chain base (LCB) and ceramide (Cer) seems to play an important role in executions of PCD. Therefore, deciphering the role of neutral ceramidases (NCER) is crucial to identify the sphingolipid compounds that trigger and execute PCD.We performed comprehensive sphingolipid and phytohormone analyses of Arabidopsis ncer mutants, combined with gene expression profiling and microscopic analyses.While ncer1 exhibited early leaf senescence (developmentally controlled PCD – dPCD) and an increase in hydroxyceramides, ncer2 showed spontaneous cell death (pathogen‐triggered PCD‐like – pPCD) accompanied by an increase in LCB t18:0 at 35 d, respectively. Loss of NCER1 function resulted in accumulation of jasmonoyl‐isoleucine (JA‐Ile) in the leaves, whereas disruption of NCER2 was accompanied by higher levels of salicylic acid (SA) and increased sensitivity to Fumonisin B1 (FB1). All mutants were also found to activate plant defence pathways. These data strongly suggest that NCER1 hydrolyses ceramides whereas NCER2 functions as a ceramide synthase.Our results reveal an important role of NCER in the regulation of both dPCD and pPCD via a tight connection between the phytohormone and sphingolipid levels in these two processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Extensive research conducted in the last three decades has identified the roles for the main bioactive sphingolipids, namely ceramide, sphingosine, and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) as key regulators of cellular homeostasis, growth and death. One of the major groups of enzymes in the ceramide pathway, ceramidases, converts ceramide into sphingosine and fatty acids, with sphingosine being further metabolized to S1P. Thus, these enzymes play important roles in the network controlling the functions associated with these bioactive sphingolipids. Among the family of ceramidases, neutral ceramidase (nCDase), which is named according to its optimal pH for catalytic activity, has received increased attention in the last decade. The goal of this review is to provide a brief background on bioactive sphingolipids and the ceramidases. We then describe more recent advances on nCDase, specifically the resolution of its crystal structure and understanding its roles in cell biology and physiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Farber disease is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder. It is caused by a mutation in the ASAH1 gene, which results in a deficiency of acid ceramidase and subsequently an accumulation of ceramide in various tissues. The manifestations are diverse and the cardinal symptoms of the Farber disease triad include subcutaneous nodules, joint pain and hoarseness. Aims To recall the clinical features of this rare disease in order to avoid a late diagnosis and to inform about the identification of a novel mutation in a Moroccan patient known until now as a mutation of uncertain significance in the acid ceramidase gene. Method About a clinical case reported retrospectively with a prospective follow-up. Results We report the case of a fourteen-year-old boy born from healthy, consanguineous Moroccan parents after an uneventful pregnancy and delivery. He had normal development until the age of 9 months. The first symptoms appeared at the end of the first year of life with joint stiffness, hoarseness, subcutaneous nodules, blepharitis resulting in amblyopia, dental enamel defect, gingival hyperplasia, and severe failure to thrive, without any visceral manifestations. Routine laboratory investigations revealed normal hydroelectolytic, glycemic, hepatic, renal, and thyroid status. Standard radiography revealed diffuse bone demineralization, laryngoscopy showed laryngeal dyskinesia, echocardiography and abdominal ultrasound were normal. Biopsy of a nodule revealed hyalinosis deposition leading initially to the hypothesis of systemic hyalinosis. The diagnosis of Farber disease was suspected at the age of eight and definitively confirmed at the age of fourteen after a genetic study of ASAH1 revealing a novel compound homozygous mutation in exon 3 c.194T>G (p.Leu65Trp) whose significance was considered uncertain to date with an acid ceramidase enzyme assay that showed a markedly reduced leucocyte acid ceramidase activity, consistent with a homozygous status for acid ceramidase deficiency. Treatment with analgesics based on paracetamol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, with iron, calcium and vitamin D supplements was prescribed. Physiotherapy was recommended but was very difficult as the child is so painful. Discussion and Conclusion Farber disease is a rare condition with only about 200 cases identified worldwide. It is caused by mutations in the ASAH1 gene. The disease has a wide range of clinical presentations, and this case report highlights the challenge of diagnosis, with a long delay due to lack of awareness of the disease among clinicians. Furthermore, this case describes a novel homozygous mutation in the ASAH1 gene: c.194T>G (p.Leu65Trp) of the ASAH1 gene in a Moroccan patient, expanding the phenotypic spectrum of the disease. Genetic testing should be considered in patients with a clinical presentation consistent with the disease, supplemented by an acid ceramidase enzyme assay in case of doubt as was done in our patient. To date, there is no cure for Farber disease, and treatment is symptomatic and supportive. However, early diagnosis and appropriate management can help improve the quality of life for patients and their families. This case highlights the importance of further research in order to develop more effective treatments for this rare condition. Clinical trials are planned in the close future. Ethics The patient and his family members provided informed consent for publication of indirectly identifiable data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

Ceramidases (CDases) are important in controlling skin barrier integrity by regulating ceramide composition and affording downstream signal molecules. While the functions of epidermal CDases are known, roles of neutral CDases secreted by skin-residing microbes are undefined. Here, we developed a one-step fluorogenic substrate, S-B, for specific detection of bacterial CDase activity and inhibitor screening. We identified a non-hydrolyzable substrate mimic, C6, as the best hit. Based on C6, we designed a photoaffinity probe, JX-1, which efficiently detects bacterial CDases. Using JX-1, we identified endogenous low-abundance PaCDase in a P. aeruginosa monoculture and in a mixed skin bacteria culture. Harnessing both S-B and JX-1, we found that CDase activity positively correlates with the relative abundance of P. aeruginosa and is negatively associated with wound area reduction in clinical diabetic foot ulcer patient samples. Overall, our study demonstrates that bacterial CDases are important regulators of skin ceramides and potentially play a role in wound healing., (© 2023 The Authors. Angewandte Chemie International Edition published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Objective Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the cancer types with poor prognosis. To effectively treat HCC, new molecular targets and therapeutic approaches must be identified. Alkaline ceramidase 3 (Acer3) hydrolyzed long-chain unsaturated ceramide to produce free fatty acids and sphingosine. However, whether and how Acer3 modulates progression of HCC remains largely unknown. Methods Acer3 mRNA levels in different types of human HCC samples or normal tissues were determined from Gene Expression across Normal and Tumor tissue (GENT) database. The expression level of Acer3 in human HCC cell lines were examined by western blot. Overall survival and disease-free survival of HCC patients were determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Effects of Acer3 knockdown by lentivirus infection were evaluated on cell growth and apoptosis. The mechanisms involved in HCC cells growth and apoptosis were analyzed by western blot. Results In silico analysis of TCGA databases of HCC patients showed that the expression of Acer3 significantly inversely correlates with the overall and disease-free survival of HCC patients. Knockdown expression of Acer3 resulted in decreased cell growth and increased apoptosis. Notably, inhibition of Acer3 resulted in intracellular exhaustion of Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and inhibited activation of S1PR2/PI3K/AKT signaling. Finally, knockdown of Acer3 induced up-regulation of Bax and down-regulation of Bcl-2. Conclusions Our study suggests that Acer3 contributes to HCC propagation, and suggests that inhibition of Acer3 may be novel strategy for treating human HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inhibiting ceramidase activity in cancer cells has been identified as a promising target for cancer therapy in recent studies. Thus, we examined the possible role of ceranib-2, a novel ceramidase inhibitor, on growth and apoptotic mechanisms of the human normal glia cell line (HNA), human glioma cell lines (T-98G and U-87MG), and a rat glioma cell line (C6). We also compared the results with the effects of C2 ceramide and cisplatin. We determined the in vitro survival rate with MTT assay, apoptosis with flow cytometry, gene expressions with qRT-PCR, and statistical significance by one-way analysis of variance together with Tukey's test. Calculated from MTT outcomes, the inhibitory ranking was as follows: T-98G > U-87MG > C6 > HNA. Ceranib-2 had the most growth-suppressive activity on human T-98G cells with an IC50 of 7 μM for 24 h and 0.9 μM for 48 h. Only the 25 μM dose of ceranib-2 induced apoptosis of human T-98G and U-87MG cells after 24 h of treatment; however, it increased apoptosis of C6 cells dose- and time-dependently. Ceranib-2 increased the cytochrome c gene expression level during 24 h in T-98G cells. Ceranib-2 had cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on glioma cells but the cytotoxic effect was weaker on normal glia cells. This cytotoxicity was stronger than that of C2 ceramide and cisplatin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amorphophallus is a perennial herbaceous plant species mainly distributed in the tropics or subtropics of Asia and Africa. It has been used as a traditional medicine for a long time and now is utilized for the pharmaceutical, chemical and agriculture industries as a valued economic crop. Recently, Amorphophallus has attracted tremendous interest because of its high ceramide content. However, the breeding and genome studies are severely limited by the arduous whole genome sequencing of Amorphophallus. In this study, the transcriptome data of A. muelleri was obtained by utilizing the high-throughput Illumina sequencing platform. Based on this information, the majority of the significant genes involved in the proposed sphingolipid metabolic pathway were identified. Then, the full-length neutral ceramidase cDNA was obtained with the help of its candidate transcripts, which were acquired from the transcriptome data. Furthermore, we demonstrated that this neutral ceramidase was a real ceramidase by eukaryotic expression in the yeast double knockout mutant Δypc1 Δydc1, which lacks the ceramidases—dihydroCDase (YDC1p), phytoCDase (YPC1p). In addition, the biochemical characterization of purified A. muelleri ceramidase (AmCDase) exhibited classical Michaelis-Menten kinetics with an optimal activity ranging from pH 6.5 to 8.0. Based on our knowledge, this study is the first to report the related information of the neutral ceramidase in Amorphophallus. All datasets can provide significant information for related studies, such as gene expression, genetic improvement and application on breeding in Amorphophallus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramidases are a group of enzymes that degrade pro-inflammatory ceramide by cleaving a fatty acid to form anti-inflammatory sphingosine lipid. Thus far, acid, neutral and alkaline ceramidase isozymes have been described. However, the expression patterns of ceramidase isoforms as well as their role in periodontal disease pathogenesis remain unknown. In this study, expression patterns of ceramidase isoforms were quantified by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry in gingival samples of patients with periodontitis and healthy subjects, as well as in EpiGingivalTM-3D culture and OBA-9 gingival epithelial cells both of which were stimulated with or without the presence of live Porphyromonas gingivalis ( ATCC 33277 strain). A significantly lower level of acid ceramidase expression was detected in gingival tissues from periodontal patients compared to those from healthy subjects. In addition, acid-ceramidase expression in EpiGingival™ 3D culture and OBA-9 cells was suppressed by stimulation with P. gingivalis in vitro . No significant fluctuation was detected for neutral or alkaline ceramidases in either gingival samples or cell cultures. Next, to elucidate the role of acid ceramidase in P. gingivalis -induced inflammation in vitro , OBA-9 cells were transduced with adenoviral vector expressing the human acid ceramidase (Ad- ASAH1 ) gene or control adenoviral vector (Ad-control). In response to stimulation with P. gingivalis , ASAH1 -over-expressing OBA-9 cells showed significantly lower mRNA expressions of caspase-3 as well as the percentage of Annexin V-positive cells, when compared with OBA-9 cells transduced with Ad-control vector. Furthermore, in response to stimulation with P. gingivalis , ASAH1 -over-expressing OBA-9 cells produced less TNF-α, IL-6, and IL1β pro-inflammatory cytokines than observed in OBA-9 cells transduced with Ad-control vector. Collectively, our data show the novel discovery of anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of acid ceramidase in host cells exposed to periodontal bacteria, and the attenuation of the expression of host-protective acid ceramidase in periodontal lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The equilibrium between the pro-apoptotic ceramide and pro-vital sphingosine-1-phosphate is considered to be decisive for cell death or survival. The different ceramidases thus play key roles in cell fate and might offer attractive targets for pharmacological intervention. Although until recently only moderately active inhibitors have been described, first in vivo experiments suggest activity against cancer cell survival and multi-drug resistance. Here, we provide a brief overview on the different ceramidases, and we will review the known inhibitors and current strategies for further inhibitor development.

Exposure to stress early in life may negatively impact nervous system functioning, including increasing the proneness to learning and memory impairments later in life. Maternal deprivation, a model of early-life stress, hinders memory in adult rats and lessens brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the hippocampus in a very heterogeneous way among individuals. The main goal of the present study was to investigate the possible epigenetic modulation underlying recognition memory impairment and reduced BDNF levels in the hippocampus of adult maternally deprived rats. We also evaluated the potential ameliorating properties of the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, sodium butyrate, on memory deficits and BDNF changes related to maternal deprivation. Maternally deprived animals were categorized as ‘inferior learners’ and ‘superior learners’ according to their performance in object recognition memory task in comparison to controls. Results indicated that HDAC activity was higher in individuals submitted to maternal deprivation with the worst cognitive performance (inferior learners). Acute administration of sodium butyrate increased histone H3 acetylation and BDNF levels, and restored recognition memory in maternally deprived animals with the worst cognitive performance. Moreover, we also showed that there is a positive correlation between BDNF levels and memory performance. Taken together, the results indicated that HDAC inhibitors could be considered as a possible therapeutic agent to improve cognitive performance in inferior learners. Further studies need to be conducted for a better comprehension of the mechanisms related to persistent alterations observed in adult life induced by early stressful circumstances and those leading to resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To investigate the effects of neutral ceramidase (NCDase) packaged in exosomes that are secreted from β-cells on free fatty acid (FFA)-induced β-cells apoptosis and its role in regulation of sphingolipid-mediated signaling pathway. Methods: HPLC and Western blotting were performed to determine NCDase activity and expression. Annexin V-fluorescein-isothiocyanate/propidium iodide flow cytometry was used to assess apoptosis. Electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry was used for ceramide (Cer), sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), and sphingosine (SPH) determination. Results: INS-1 cells over-expressed NCDase secreted active NCDase via exosomes. Exosomes isolated from the cultured medium of INS-1 cells that oxpressed NCDase could ameliorate palmitate-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, the results showed that exosome-derived NCDase treatment reduced intracellular Cer/S1P ratio. Conclusions: β-cell secreted active NCDase via exosome, the exosome-packaged-NCDase protected β-cells from FFA-induced apoptosis through regulating sphingolipid metabolites and it might be a potential treatment for β-cell lipotoxicity and type 2 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of the sphingomyelin pathway, sphingomyelinases and ceramidases have attracted much attention in basic as well as clinical research. However, current assays still often rely on a radioactive substrate, extensive manual purification steps, and hazardous solvents for chromatographic analysis. We here show the equivalence of a fluorescent sphingomyelin substrate and present a new versatile solvent replacing the chloroform/methanol mixture. By further modifications including the omission of the manual extraction steps, chloroform and methanol are eliminated from the entire procedure and render the assay flexible to repeated analyses at multiple time intervals. These improvements allow for the rapid detection of both enzymes in a high throughput microtiter format. Moreover, we demonstrate the relevance of the plastic assay material and the interchangeability between serum and different plasma sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past three decades, extensive research has been able to determine the biologic functions for the main bioactive sphingolipids, namely ceramide, sphingosine, and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) (Hannun, 1996; Hannun et al., 1986; Okazaki et al., 1989). These studies have managed to define the metabolism, regulation, and function of these bioactive sphingolipids. This emerging body of literature has also implicated bioactive sphingolipids, particularly S1P and ceramide, as key regulators of cellular homeostasis. Ceramidases have the important role of cleaving fatty acid from ceramide and producing sphingosine, thereby controlling the interconversion of these two lipids. Thus far, five human ceramidases encoded by five different genes have been identified: acid ceramidase (AC), neutral ceramidase (NC), alkaline ceramidase 1 (ACER1), alkaline ceramidase 2 (ACER2), and alkaline ceramidase 3 (ACER3). These ceramidases are classified according to their optimal pH for catalytic activity. AC, which is localized to the lysosomal compartment, has been associated with Farber's disease and is involved in the regulation of cell viability. Neutral ceramidase, which is localized to the plasma membrane and primarily expressed in the small intestine and colon, is involved in digestion, and has been implicated in colon carcinogenesis. ACER1 which can be found in the endoplasmic reticulum and is highly expressed in the skin, plays an important role in keratinocyte differentiation. ACER2, localized to the Golgi complex and highly expressed in the placenta, is involved in programed cell death in response to DNA damage. ACER3, also localized to the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi complex, is ubiquitously expressed, and is involved in motor coordination-associated Purkinje cell degeneration. This review seeks to consolidate the current knowledge regarding these key cellular players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Derived from the genus maple (Acer), acertannins are a group of gallotannins which have a characteristic 1,5-anhydro- d -glucitol (1,5-AG) occupying the central core position in the tannic acid structure whose hydroxyl groups have one or more galloyl residues. We have synthesized all ten naturally-occurring acertannins and seven new acertannin derivatives from 1,5-AG. Side-by-side comparisons revealed that 2,4,6-tri- O -galloyl-1,5-AG 21 (maplexin E) and maplexin F 22 (2,3,6-tri- O -galloyl-1,5-AG) were good inhibitors of ceramidase (CDase). In contrast, the core anhydrosugar 1,5-AG 12 itself and 3′,4′,5′-trimethoxy benzoyl derivatives 23 – 25 did not show CDase inhibition. Metabolic labelling experiments using NBD-hexanoic acid revealed that 50 μM of 6- O -galloyl-1,5-AG 16 (Ginnalin B), 2,6-di- O -galloyl-1,5-AG 19 (Ginnalin A), and 4,6-di- O -galloyl-1,5-AG 4 increased intracellular NBD-labeled ceramide, by 2.3, 2.2, and 2.1-fold, respectively. It is noteworthy that these acertannins 16 , 19 , and 4 promoted ceramide synthase 3 (CERS3) gene expression. Acertannins, therefore, represent a new class of potential intracellular ceramide regulators exhibiting both CDase inhibition and ceramide synthase promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition mediated by small molecule HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) has demonstrated divergent effects including toxicity towards transformed cell lines, neuroprotection in neurological disease models, and inhibition of oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) differentiation to mature oligodendrocytes (OL). However, it remains unknown if transient HDAC inhibition may promote OPC survival. Using mouse cortical OPC primary cultures, we investigated the effects of the FDA approved pan-HDACi suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) on OPC survival. Initial studies showed differences in the HDAC expression pattern of multiple HDAC isoforms in OPCs relative to their terminally differentiated progeny cells, OLs and astrocytes. Treatment of OPCs with SAHA for up to 72 h using a maximum concentration either at or lower than those necessary for cytotoxicity in most transformed cell lines resulted in over 67% reduction in viability relative to vehicle-treated OPCs. This was at least partly due to increased apoptosis as SAHA-treated cells displayed activated caspase 3 and were protected by the general caspase inhibitor Q-VD-OPH. Additionally, SAHA treatment of whole mice at postnatal day 5 induced apoptosis of cortical OPCs. These results suggest that SAHA negatively impacts OPC survival and may be detrimental to the myelinating brain and spinal cord. Such toxicity may be relevant in a clinical context as SAHA is currently involved in numerous clinical trials and is in consideration for use in the treatment of psychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oversupply of free fatty acids such as palmitic acid ( PA) from the portal vein may cause liver insulin resistance. Production of reactive oxygen species plays a pivotal role in PA-induced insulin resistance in H4 IIEC3 hepatocytes. Recently, we found that exosomes secreted from INS-1 cells that were transfected with neutral ceramidase ( NCDase) plasmids had raised NCDase activity; these NCDase-enriched exosomes could inhibit PA-induced INS-1 cell apoptosis. Here, we showed that PA reduced insulin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 2 and decreased insulin-stimulated uptake of the fluorescent glucose analog 2- NBDG, confirming that insulin resistance occurred in PA-treated H4 IIEC3 cells. Moreover, NCDase-enriched exosomes from INS-1 cells rescued PA-induced H4 IIEC3 insulin resistance and blocked PA-induced reactive oxygen species production in which ceramide was involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]