Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
09:19
Improved 3D Hydrogel Cultures of Primary Glial Cells for In Vitro Modelling of Neuroinflammation
Published on: December 8, 2017
Sphingolipids in neuroinflammation
Laura Davies1, Klaus Fassbender, Silke Walter
1Department of Neurology, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Germany.
Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology
|April 9, 2013
Summary
Sphingolipids are crucial cell membrane components impacting brain disease. Research explores their role in neuroinflammation, offering potential new treatments for conditions like dementia and multiple sclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Sphingolipids are vital cellular components regulating membrane functions.
- Emerging research links sphingolipids to the pathology of brain disorders such as dementia and multiple sclerosis.
- Neuroinflammation, involving immune cell responses, is a key factor in these diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of the relationship between sphingolipids and neuroinflammation.
- To highlight the potential of targeting sphingolipid pathways for therapeutic intervention in neurological diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on sphingolipids and neuroinflammation.
- Analysis of studies investigating sphingolipid roles in cellular signaling and immune responses.
- Synthesis of findings related to sphingolipid modulation in models of brain diseases.
Main Results:
- Sphingolipids influence critical cellular processes relevant to neuroinflammation, including lymphocyte behavior.
- Dysregulation of sphingolipid metabolism is implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative and demyelinating diseases.
- Modulating sphingolipid pathways presents a promising therapeutic avenue for managing neuroinflammatory conditions.
Conclusions:
- Sphingolipids represent a significant link between cellular function and neuroinflammation.
- Further research into sphingolipid-targeted therapies could lead to breakthroughs in treating currently intractable brain conditions.
- Intervening in sphingolipid-mediated pathways offers a novel strategy for neuroinflammation management.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:26Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
01:42Phosphoinositides and PIPs
Phosphoinositides are a group of phospholipids containing a glycerol backbone with two fatty acid chains and a phosphate attached to a myoinositol sugar ring. The inositol head group extends into the cytoplasm, where it is modified by adding phosphate groups to form phosphatidylinositol phosphates or PIPs.
Different phosphoinositides are synthesized and recruited on the cytosolic face of the plasma membrane. The localization of specific phosphoinositides concentrated in separate membrane...
Different phosphoinositides are synthesized and recruited on the cytosolic face of the plasma membrane. The localization of specific phosphoinositides concentrated in separate membrane...
01:38Inflammation
Overview
01:04Glial Cells
Overview
01:26Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...