Endothelial functions of sphingosine-1-phosphate

The biologically active sphingolipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) plays key functions in the immune, inflammatory, and cardiovascular systems. In the vasculature, S1P and its receptors are involved in vessel morphogenesis and angiogenesis during embryonic development and in the adult organism both under normal and pathological conditions. Via its actions on endothelial and smooth muscle cells, S1P regulates arterial tone, vascular permeability, and tissue perfusion. Elevated local S1P levels during inflammation induce endothelial adhesion molecules, recruit inflammatory cells, and activate dendritic cells. At the same time, S1P activates a negative feedback loop that consecutively seals endothelial cell-cell contacts, decreases vascular leakage, and inhibits cytokine-induced leukocyte adhesion. Thus S1P determines not only the build-up, magnitude, and duration of an inflammatory reaction but also the pace of its resolution. This review focuses on the role S1P plays in endothelial function, its receptors and signalling pathways, and the role its major carrier high-density lipoproteins (HDL) play in its bioavailability and transport. We will also discuss the potential of interfering with S1P-S1P receptor interactions for the treatment of endothelial disorders and vascular pathologies.