Work

The Functional Role of Sphingosine Kinase 2

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid molecule that is present in all eukaryotic cells and plays key roles in various extracellular, cytosolic, and nuclear signaling pathways. Two sphingosine kinase isoforms, sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1) and sphingosine kinase 2 (SPHK2), synthesize S1P by phosphorylating sphingosine. While SPHK1 is a cytoplasmic kinase, SPHK2 is localized to the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria. The SPHK2/S1P pathway regulates transcription, telomere maintenance, mitochondrial respiration, among many other processes. SPHK2 is under investigation as a target for treating many age-associated conditions, such as cancer, stroke, and neurodegeneration. In this review, we will focus on the role of SPHK2 in health and disease.

Source: Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences

DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.683767

Authors: Rocio Diaz Escarcega, Louise D. McCullough, Andrey S. Tsvetkov

Institution: The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Language: English

Topic: Sphingolipid Metabolism and Signaling

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,950