General Description
Ceramides linked to 2-hydroxy fatty acids (hFA) are present in the surface epithelium of the skin. 20:0(2
S-OH) Ceramide is a unique ceramide containing 20C long chain base fatty acid (arachidic acid)-with 2′-hydroxyl group in
S configuration.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Hydroxy fatty acid (hFA)-sphingolipids help in formation and function of myelin. In addition, they also play a vital role in cell signaling, cell differentiation and apoptosis. In epidermis, hFA-ceramides aid in permeability barrier function. NAD(P)H-dependent enzyme, fatty acid 2-hydroxylase (FA2H) catalyzes the synthesis of hFA-ceramides. FA2H gene mutation leads to the development of neurological disorders such as leukodystrophy and spastic paraparesis in humans. hFA-ceramides help PM02734 (elisidepsin), an?antitumor drug to exhibit its activity.
