Abstract
Sphingolipids are membrane lipids that play important roles in the regulation of cell functions and homeostasis. Alterations in their metabolism have been associated with several pathologies. For this reason, therapeutic strategies based on the design of small molecules to restore sphingolipid levels to their physiological condition have rapidly emerged. In addition, some of these new chemical entities, even if they fail to succeed along the pipeline, can become valuable pharmacological tools for the study of sphingolipid function. Implications of altered sphingolipid metabolism in cancer progression have allowed the identification of new targets for the development of potential anticancer agents. Based on these premises, this review is focused on the most recent achievements in the field, with special attention to the development of small molecules, mainly enzyme inhibitors, able to disrupt some of the key sphingolipid metabolic pathways implicated in cancer progression. On the other hand, metabolic dysregulation can also be modulated by the use of sphingolipid analogs, which can alter the sphingolipid balance driving cells to death or survival and thus becoming useful candidates for subsequent drug development.
Keywords: Sphingolipids, Enzyme inhibitors, Analogs, Modulation, Metabolism, dhCer, cyclopropane, Cer-recognizing factors, denocarcinoma
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Title:Sphingolipid Modulation: A Strategy for Cancer Therapy
Volume: 12 Issue: 4
Author(s): Antonio Delgado, Gemma Fabrias, Carmen Bedia, Josefina Casas and Jose Luis Abad
Affiliation:
Keywords: Sphingolipids, Enzyme inhibitors, Analogs, Modulation, Metabolism, dhCer, cyclopropane, Cer-recognizing factors, denocarcinoma
Abstract: Sphingolipids are membrane lipids that play important roles in the regulation of cell functions and homeostasis. Alterations in their metabolism have been associated with several pathologies. For this reason, therapeutic strategies based on the design of small molecules to restore sphingolipid levels to their physiological condition have rapidly emerged. In addition, some of these new chemical entities, even if they fail to succeed along the pipeline, can become valuable pharmacological tools for the study of sphingolipid function. Implications of altered sphingolipid metabolism in cancer progression have allowed the identification of new targets for the development of potential anticancer agents. Based on these premises, this review is focused on the most recent achievements in the field, with special attention to the development of small molecules, mainly enzyme inhibitors, able to disrupt some of the key sphingolipid metabolic pathways implicated in cancer progression. On the other hand, metabolic dysregulation can also be modulated by the use of sphingolipid analogs, which can alter the sphingolipid balance driving cells to death or survival and thus becoming useful candidates for subsequent drug development.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Delgado Antonio, Fabrias Gemma, Bedia Carmen, Casas Josefina and Abad Jose Luis, Sphingolipid Modulation: A Strategy for Cancer Therapy, Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry 2012; 12 (4) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/187152012800228643
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/187152012800228643 |
Print ISSN 1871-5206 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5992 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Induction of cell death in cancer cells by modulating telomerase activity using small molecule drugs
Telomeres are distinctive but short stretches present at the corners of chromosomes and aid in stabilizing chromosomal makeup. Resynthesis of telomeres supported by the activity of reverse transcriptase ribonucleoprotein complex telomerase. There is no any telomerase activity in human somatic cells, but the stem cells and germ cells undergone telomerase ...read more
Role of natural compounds as anti anti-cancer agents
Cancer is considered the leading cause of worldwide mortality, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2022. Cancer outcome can be improved through an appropriate screening and early detection and through an efficient clinical treatment. Chemotherapy remains an important approach in treatment o f several types of cancers, even though ...read more
Signaling and enzymatic modulators in cancer treatment
Cancer accounts for nearly 10 million deaths in 2022 and is considered the leading cause of worldwide mortality. Cancer outcome can be improved through an appropriate screening and early detection and through an efficient clinical treatment. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery are the most important approach for the treatment of several ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
Discussion on the Structural Modification and Anti-tumor Activity of
Flavonoids
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Exploring the Role of Phytochemicals as Potent Natural Photosensitizers in Photodynamic Therapy
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Kruppel-Like Factors 4 and 5: Unity in Diversity
Current Genomics Lactate Transporters and pH Regulation: Potential Therapeutic Targets in Glioblastomas
Current Cancer Drug Targets Big Data to Knowledge: Application of Machine Learning to Predictive Modeling of Therapeutic Response in Cancer
Current Genomics Mouse Mutants of Relaxin, Insulin-Like 3 Peptide and their Receptors
Current Medicinal Chemistry - Immunology, Endocrine & Metabolic Agents Cerebral Angiogenesis and Expression of Angiogenic Factors in Aging Rats after Exercise
Current Neurovascular Research Multiple Hsp70 Isoforms in the Eukaryotic Cytosol: Mere Redundancy or Functional Specificity?
Current Genomics Noteworthy Secondary Metabolites Naphthoquinones – their Occurrence, Pharmacological Properties and Analysis
Current Pharmaceutical Analysis Azelaic Acid: A Promising Agent for Dermatological Applications
Current Drug Therapy Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Amphiphilic Copolymer for Anticancer Drugs Delivery
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Paclitaxel Formulations: Challenges and Novel Delivery Options
Current Drug Delivery Anti-Cancer Drug Design Using Natural and Synthetic Pharmacophores
Current Organic Chemistry Positron Emission Tomography Radiopharmaceuticals for Sex Steroid Hormone Receptor Imaging
Current Medicinal Chemistry Progress in Nutritional and Health Profile of Milk and Dairy Products: A Novel Drug Target
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets HIF-1α Modulates Energy Metabolism in Cancer Cells by Inducing Over-Expression of Specific Glycolytic Isoforms
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry Metabolism and the Paradoxical Effects of Arsenic: Carcinogenesis and Anticancer
Current Medicinal Chemistry Patented Aptamers for C-Reactive Protein Detection: A Review About their Use in Clinical Diagnostics
Recent Patents on DNA & Gene Sequences Intrathecal Administration of Melatonin Ameliorates the Neuroinflammation- Mediated Sensory and Motor Dysfunction in A Rat Model of Compression Spinal Cord Injury
Current Molecular Pharmacology Oligonucleotides and G-quadruplex Stabilizers: Targeting Telomeres and Telomerase in Cancer Therapy
Current Pharmaceutical Design