Sphingolipid Signaling Pathways as Potential Therapeutic Targets in Gliomas

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly malignant brain tumor. The interconvertible bioactive sphingolipids sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and ceramide have profound effects on GBM cells, with ceramide causing cell death and S1P leading to cell survival, proliferation and invasion. This review will examine the effects of ceramide and S1P on glioma cells and the therapeutic potential of these pathways. Keywords: Glioma, glioblastoma multiforme, sphingolipids, sphingosine-1-phosphate, ceramide