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World J Biol Chem. Feb 26, 2011; 2(2): 25-34
Published online Feb 26, 2011. doi: 10.4331/wjbc.v2.i2.25
Roles of sphingosine 1-phosphate on tumorigenesis
Yuan-Li Huang, Wei-Pang Huang, Hsinyu Lee
Yuan-Li Huang, Department of Biotechnology, College of Health Science, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan, China
Wei-Pang Huang, Hsinyu Lee, Department of Life Science, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan, China
Wei-Pang Huang, Hsinyu Lee, Institute of Zoology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, China
Author contributions: Huang YL, Huang WP and Lee H all contribute to the writing and revision of this manuscript.
Correspondence to: Hsinyu Lee, Professor, Institute of Zoology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, China. eb8578@wayne.edu
Telephone: +886-2-23636837 Fax: +886-2-33662499
Received: December 20, 2010
Revised: February 10, 2011
Accepted: February 16, 2011
Published online: February 26, 2011
Abstract

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive sphingolipid with a variety of biological activities. It is generated from the conversion of ceramide to sphingosine by ceramidase and the subsequent conversion of sphingosine to S1P, which is catalyzed by sphingosine kinases. Through increasing its intracellular levels by sphingolipid metabolism and binding to its cell surface receptors, S1P regulates several physiological and pathological processes, including cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis and autophagy. These processes are responsible for tumor growth, metastasis and invasion and promote tumor survival. Since ceramide and S1P have distinct functions in regulating in cell fate decision, the balance between the ceramide/sphingosine/S1P rheostat becomes a potent therapeutic target for cancer cells. Herein, we summarize our current understanding of S1P signaling on tumorigenesis and its potential as a target for cancer therapy.

Keywords: Sphingosine 1-phosphate, Sphingosine kinase, Ceramide, Angiogenesis, Autophagy, Tumorigenesis