Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 5, 2026
10:26
In Vivo Targeting of Xenografted Human Cancer Cells with Functionalized Fluorescent Silica Nanoparticles in Zebrafish
Published on: May 8, 2020
5.1K
Biological function of SPNS2: From zebrafish to human
Xiao Zhu1, Kun Ren1, Yong-Zhi Zeng1
1Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, Key Laboratory for Arteriosclerology of Hunan Province, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
Molecular Immunology
|September 10, 2018
Summary
Spinster 2 (SPNS2) transports sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) out of cells, regulating its levels and functions. This discovery offers new therapeutic targets for S1P-related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a crucial lipid mediator involved in numerous physiological and pathological processes.
- The mechanisms governing S1P secretion and its precise functions remain incompletely understood.
- S1P regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival, impacting areas like immune responses and cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biological characteristics and functions of Spinster 2 (SPNS2).
- To elucidate the role of SPNS2 as a mediator of S1P secretion.
- To provide insights into potential therapies for S1P-related disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on SPNS2 and S1P.
- Analysis of existing data on S1P transport mechanisms.
- Synthesis of information on SPNS2's role in S1P regulation.
Main Results:
- SPNS2 has been identified as a key transporter responsible for S1P release from cells.
- SPNS2 mediates intracellular S1P secretion, influencing extracellular S1P levels.
- The function of SPNS2 is critical for regulating S1P-dependent biological processes.
Conclusions:
- SPNS2 plays a vital role in regulating S1P homeostasis and function.
- Understanding SPNS2 mechanisms opens avenues for novel therapeutic strategies.
- Targeting SPNS2 may offer new treatments for immune, vascular, and oncological disorders.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Role of Water in Human Biology
13.9K
Water is the one of the most significant components of the human body; it plays a crucial role in several physiological activities because of its unique physicochemical properties. Importantly, it helps to regulate body temperature and is the chief component of several body fluids.
Water's Solvent Properties
Since water is a polar molecule with slightly positive and slightly negative charges, ions and polar molecules can readily dissolve in it. Therefore, it is referred to as a solvent, a...
Water's Solvent Properties
Since water is a polar molecule with slightly positive and slightly negative charges, ions and polar molecules can readily dissolve in it. Therefore, it is referred to as a solvent, a...
13.9K
01:57What is Conservation Biology?
24.4K
Conservation biology is a scientific field that focuses on the preservation of biodiversity in order to protect ecosystems while meeting the needs of the human population. Humans require properly functioning ecosystems to maintain our supply of natural resources, including food, medicines, and building materials.
24.4K
01:25Compounds Essential to Human Function
10.2K
The human body is composed of cells that are fundamentally made up of several different molecules. These molecules are essential to carry out all physiological processes in the body and are broadly classified into organic and inorganic based on their chemical structures.
Inorganic Compounds Essential to Human Functioning
Inorganic compounds essential to human functioning include water, salts, acids, and bases. These compounds are inorganic, i.e., they do not have a carbon-hydrogen bond. Water...
Inorganic Compounds Essential to Human Functioning
Inorganic compounds essential to human functioning include water, salts, acids, and bases. These compounds are inorganic, i.e., they do not have a carbon-hydrogen bond. Water...
10.2K
02:59Biological Effects of Radiation
18.0K
All radioactive nuclides emit high-energy particles or electromagnetic waves. When this radiation encounters living cells, it can cause heating, break chemical bonds, or ionize molecules. The most serious biological damage results when these radioactive emissions fragment or ionize molecules. For example, α and β particles emitted from nuclear decay reactions possess much higher energies than ordinary chemical bond energies. When these particles strike and penetrate matter, they...
18.0K
02:55Synthetic Biology
5.6K
Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary science that involves using principles from disciplines such as engineering, molecular biology, cell biology, and systems biology. It involves remodeling existing organisms from nature or constructing completely new synthetic organisms for applications such as protein or enzyme production, bioremediation, value-added macromolecule production, and the addition of desirable traits to crops, to name a few.
Golden rice
Golden rice is a genetically modified...
Golden rice
Golden rice is a genetically modified...
5.6K
01:29Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
633
Schizophrenia, a severe psychiatric disorder, arises from a complex interplay of biological factors, including genetic predisposition, structural brain abnormalities, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and developmental irregularities. These factors collectively contribute to the onset and progression of the disorder, which typically manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin...
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin...
633