About the structure and biological function of Cer
Structure. Ceramides (Cer) belong to the group of ceramide lipids within the sphingolipids. Their structure consists of a sphingoid base, specifically sphingosine, and a fatty acid. The fatty acid can be of variable length, hydroxylated, and contain double bonds.
Function. Ceramides are essential intermediates in the biosynthesis of all complex sphingolipids. Except for skin, ceramides are rapidly converted and present at trace amounts only, yet they serve important biological roles. They can form ceramide-rich lipid rafts within the cell membrane, and have a vital function in cellular signaling related to apoptosis, cell differentiation, and proliferation. Further, ceramides counter the effects of ceramide-1-phosphates. Thus, a balance of both is essential for homeostasis and imbalances have been linked to metabolic diseases, cancer, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular disease.