N-palMitoyl-1-deoxysphinganine (M18:0/16:0)

N-C16-deoxysphinganine Commonly referred to as 1-deoxydihydroceramide (1-deoxyDHCer), is the N-acylated form of 1-deoxysphinganine, a potent inhibitor of sphingolipid metabolism. The N-acyl group can be 16, 20 and 24 carbon chain. N-acylsphinganines (dihydroceramides) are synthesized by the acylation of sphingoid bases in the presence of ceramide synthases (CerS).

N-acylsphinganines (dihydroceramides) levels are lower during ceramide synthase inhibition. They are intermediates of ceramide and dihydrosphingolipids synthesis. Treatment of MCF7 cancer cells with fenretinide alters sphingolipid metabolism.