Sphingosine 1-phosphate in neural signalling and function

Complex sphingolipids are particularly enriched in the central nervous system. Although they were long considered to be structural components of membranes, in the last decades it has become apparent that they have other important functions. More recently, attention has been given to the sphingolipid metabolites ceramide, sphingosine and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), which have been implicated in the regulation of many aspects of neuronal proliferation, differentiation, survival and apoptosis. Dysregulation of the relative levels of these bioactive sphingolipid metabolites may have implications for a wide array of neurodegenerative disorders and neural malformations. In this paper, we will focus on studies from our laboratory over the past few years using cultured neurons to examine the roles of the sphingolipid metabolite S1P in neuronal survival and differentiation. Conclusion: Identification of potential intracellular targets of S1P remains a crucial objective for attaining a better understanding of the potent role this molecule plays in regulating cell fate.