Ceramide-binding proteins

While the exact mechanism of ceramide-mediated regulation of most of the above proteins is still unknown, ASM-released ceramide binds directly to PLAa and cathepsin D (Huwiler et al, 2001 Heinrich et al., 1999). Binding of ceramide to cathepsin D in endosomes triggers autocatalytic cleavage of cathepsin to its active form (Heinrich et al, 1999). However, the physiological role of ceramide binding to cathepsin D and PLA2 for apoptosis stiU remains to be determined. 

Worgall TS, Juliano RA, Seo T, Deckelbaum RJ. Ceramide synthesis correlates with the posttranscriptional regulation of the sterol-regulatory element-binding protein. Arterios-cler Thromb Vase Biol 24(2004a) 943-948. 

Wang, G., Silva, J., Krishnamurthy, K., Tran, E., Condie, B.G., and Bieberich, E. Direct binding to ceramide activates protein kinase Czeta before the formation of a pro-apoptotic complex with PAR-4 in differentiating stem cells. J Biol Chem, 280, 2005, 26415-26424. 

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