Examples of Ceramides
Ceramides are bioactive sphingolipids that include several molecular species such as ceramide 16:1,18:0,20:0, and 24:1, which serve as both structural components of cell membranes and signaling molecules in various cellular processes. 1
Structural Types of Ceramides
- Ceramide is a key synthetic building block at the central metabolic branchpoint for production of various sphingolipids 1
- Specific ceramide species identified in normal conditions include:
Ceramide Derivatives and Related Compounds
- Ceramide serves as a precursor for production of other sphingolipids including:
- Lactosyl-ceramide (18:0) is another related compound observed in pregnancy 1
Biological Functions of Ceramides
- Ceramides play a mitochondrial receptor role in recruiting LC3-II-associated phagophores to mitochondria during autophagy 1
- The direct binding between ceramide and LC3-II involves F52 and I35 residues of LC3B 1
- Ceramides act as signaling molecules in various cellular processes:
Ceramides in Physiological Conditions
- Normal pregnancy is associated with increased levels of total ceramides 1
- Ceramide concentrations tend to be lower in the second trimester of pregnancy 1
- This coincides with a period requiring enhanced immunotolerance and lower inflammation 1
- Plasma ceramides are significantly reduced in mothers with overweight/obesity at birth compared to mothers with normal BMI 1
Role in Metabolic Regulation
- In mice, ceramides have been associated with impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance 1
- Accumulation of ceramides in skeletal muscle and adipocytes has been shown to impair insulin signaling 1
- This results in reduced insulin sensitivity in experimental models 1
- Ceramides may influence physiological and pathological insulin resistance during pregnancy 1