Receptor Agonist/Antagonist
The metabolism of sphingolipids leads to the formation of polar lipid mediators such as sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P). S1P is found in vertebrates in the extracellular milieu and interacts with cell-surface receptors to regulate an array of cellular responses. S1P plays a key role in morphogenetic mechanisms, tissue inductive events, and cell signaling. Studies have also shown that S1P plays important roles in the development process such as angiogenesis, cardiogenesis, limb development, and neurogenesis. These receptors are also intimately involved in immune-modulation and the suppression of immune responses from T cells. Sphingosine related therapeutics are often directed at S1P receptors.
Mendelson K., Evans T., Hla T. (2014) Sphingosine 1-phosphate signaling. Dev. 141:5-9. doi: 10.1242/dev.094805
