D-erythro-MAPP is an analog of ceramide that suppresses growth of HL-60 cancer cells in culture. D-erythro-MAPP inhibits alkaline ceramidase with an IC50 of approximately 5 μM. Treatment of cultured cells with D-erythro-MAPP elevates the levels of endogenous ceramide, resulting in growth suppression and G0/G1 cell cycle arrest.
