C-8 ceramide-1-phosphate is a short-chain analog of the naturally occurring ceramide-1-phosphate. The effects of C-8 ceramide-1-phosphate are essentially the opposite of C-8 ceramide; it induces DNA synthesis and cell division. The effects of C-8 ceramide-1-phosphate can be attenuated by simultaneous treatment with C-2 or C-8 ceramide.