About the structure and biological function of CerP
Structure. Ceramide-1-phosphates (N-acyl-sphingosine-phosphates, C1P, or CerP) belong to the group of ceramide lipids within the sphingolipids. Their structure consists of a sphingoid base, specifically sphingosine-phosphate, and a fatty acid. The fatty acid can be of variable length, hydroxylated, and contain double bonds.
Function. Ceramide-1-phosphate is primarily found in the trans-Golgi network and often counters the effects of ceramides. Thus, a balance of both is essential for homeostasis as imbalances will lead to metabolic dysfunction or disease. CerP regulates cell growth and survival, acts as inhibitor of apoptosis, and is a mediator of inflammation. Further, ceramide-1-phosphate also elicits growth and survival in cancers and is thus associated with poor survival.
