About the structure and biological function of dhSphP
Structure. Sphinganine-phosphates (dihydrosphingosine-phosphates, sphinganine-1-phosphates, or dhSphP) belong to the group of sphingoid bases within the sphingolipids. Their structure consists of an amino alcohol with a saturated hydrocarbon chain linked to a phosphate molecule.
Function. Little is known about the function of sphinganine-phosphates. However, they have been implicated in the protection of kidney and liver after hepatic ischemia and reperfusion, a major complication after liver transplantation. Futher, sphinganine-phosphate levels may serve as a biomarker for fumonisin exposure, a group of mycotoxins produced by fungi of the genus fusarium.
