Sphingosin 1-phosphate contributes in tumor progression

Sphingosine-1 phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid that mediates diverse cellular responses. Signaling of S1P is carried out by a family of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), which show differential expression patterns depending on tissue and cell types. Activation of S1P receptors induces signaling pathway, which can subsequently lead to physiological process. Intercellular S1P concentration is regulated and determined by several enzymes including S1P lyase, S1P kinase and S1P phosphatase. Numerous studies showed the role of S1P in malignant behavior of cancer cells including breast, lung, colon, and leukemia cell lines. In the past decade, extensive research activities have focused on elucidating S1P signaling pathway, its receptors, enzymes involved in S1P metabolism, and its performance in cancer biology. In this review, we will explain the function of S1P in tumor progression that demonstrated in past research articles and we will express its importance as a target for designing futuristic anticancer drug.