Studies from the laboratory of the PI have focused on elucidating the components, mechanisms, and roles of bioactive sphingolipids, especially ceramide with its emerging roles in regulating cell growth, differentiation, senescence, and inflammation. However, the study of these pathways has been complicated by their multiplicity, metabolic interactions, sub cellular compartmentalization, and lack of molecular tools. These considerations led us to the overall hypothesis that the specific cellular functions of ceramide are dictated by the sub cellular site of ceramide generation which in turn depends on which of the enzymes of ceramide metabolism regulates its site-specific formation. In this proposal we will focus on the neutral sphingomyelinase (SMase) pathway and address the following aims: 1) To define cellular mechanisms of regulation of nSMase2. We will investigate the specific hypothesis that defined signaling pathways lead to the activation/regulation of n-SMase2 in response to TNF action. This will be approached by defining the regulation of translocation of nSMase2 by TNF, and determining the cellular mechanisms that regulate this translocation. 2) To determine molecular and biochemical mechanisms of activation of nSMaseZ. We will determine the mechanisms by which nSMase2 interacts with phosphatidylserine, an activating lipid, and we will determine the mechanisms of phosphorylation and palmitoylation and their roles in activation and translocation of nSMase2. 3) To determine the role of nSMase2 in generating a specific 'pool' of ceramide with specific downstream functions. We will test the specific hypothesis that nSMase2 acts on a distinct pool of sphingomyelin that resides in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane, leading to the corresponding subset of ceramide, with its own specific functions. Taken together, these results should provide a foundation for the study of molecularly-distinct sphingolipid-mediated pathways of cell regulation. Moreover, molecular studies on nSMase2 would also impact our understanding of the mechanisms of an emerging and novel family of phospholipid phosphodiesterases. These pathways are of direct significance to the biology of stress responses and specifically to cancer biology and inflammation. ? ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Method to Extend Research in Time (MERIT) Award (R37)
Project #
2R37GM043825-18
Application #
7208484
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-CB-N (02))
Program Officer
Chin, Jean
Project Start
1997-07-01
Project End
2011-12-31
Budget Start
2007-01-01
Budget End
2007-12-31
Support Year
18
Fiscal Year
2007
Total Cost
$362,080
Indirect Cost
Name
Medical University of South Carolina
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
183710748
City
Charleston
State
SC
Country
United States
Zip Code
29425
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Airola, Michael V; Tumolo, Jessica M; Snider, Justin et al. (2014) Identification and biochemical characterization of an acid sphingomyelinase-like protein from the bacterial plant pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum that hydrolyzes ATP to AMP but not sphingomyelin to ceramide. PLoS One 9:e105830
Jones, E Ellen; Dworski, Shaalee; Canals, Daniel et al. (2014) On-tissue localization of ceramides and other sphingolipids by MALDI mass spectrometry imaging. Anal Chem 86:8303-11
Qin, Tingting; Matmati, Nabil; Tsoi, Lam C et al. (2014) Finding pathway-modulating genes from a novel Ontology Fingerprint-derived gene network. Nucleic Acids Res 42:e138

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