Identification of mouse sphingomyelin synthase 1 as a suppressor of Bax-mediated cell death in yeast

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1567-1364.2006.00052.x
• Publication Date: 2006-02-17T15:53:21Z
• Authors: Zhao Yang; Chamel Khoury; Gaël Jean-Baptiste; Michael T. Greenwood
• Keywords: Sphingolipid; Ceramide synthase

We have identified mouse sphingomyelin synthase 1 as a novel suppressor of the growth inhibitory effect heterologously expressed Bax. Yeast cells expressing were also found to show an increased resistance variety cytotoxic stimuli including hydrogen peroxide, osmotic stress and elevated temperature. Sphingomyelin functions by catalyzing conversion ceramide phosphatidylcholine diacylglycerol. Ceramide is antiproliferative proapoptotic sphingolipid whose level increases in response stresses. Consistent with its biochemical function, yeast enhanced ability grow media containing cell-permeable C2-ceramide analog well precursor phytosphingosine. that overexpression AUR1, potential functional homolog synthase, protects from stress. Taken together, these results suggest likely prevents cell death counteracting stress-mediated accumulation endogenous sphingolipids.