Sphingolipid metabolism and hematologic disorders: current understanding and future directions

Sphingolipids are not only key structural components of cell membranes but also serve as important signaling molecules, and their metabolic homeostasis is essential for the maintenance of cellular functions. In recent years, with the advancement of technologies such as metabolomics, studies have revealed that sphingolipid metabolic abnormalities are extensively involved in the occurrence and development of various hematological disorders, including immune thrombocytopenia, myeloproliferative neoplasms, graft-versus-host disease, hereditary hematological diseases, and hematologic malignancies. This article aims to provide a systematic review of the fundamental biological functions of sphingolipid metabolism, with a focus on its metabolic reprogramming and the regulatory mechanisms of associated signaling pathways in hematological diseases. By integrating recent advances in both clinical and basic research, this review analyzes potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets within sphingolipid metabolic pathways. Furthermore, it discusses future research directions and the prospects for clinical application in this field, aiming to provide a novel theoretical basis and strategic insights for the precise diagnosis and innovative treatment of hematological diseases.