Sphingomyelin breakdown and cell fate
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Updated: Nov 3, 2026

Live Imaging Assay for Assessing the Roles of Ca2+ and Sphingomyelinase in the Repair of Pore-forming Toxin Wounds
Published on: August 25, 2013
1Department of Experimental Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Italy. tesrob@flashnet.it
Abstract:
A growing number of cell-surface receptors are now being shown to generate signals that trigger the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin to release diffusible ceramides. Ceramides have been implicated as key mediators in signaling pathways, with outcomes as diverse as cell proliferation, differentiation, growth arrest and apoptosis. The response depends on cell type, whether the signal is integrated with other signals originating from the same receptor and on the subcellular location of sphingomyelin hydrolysis and ceramide release.
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