Sphingolipids form specialized structures, mediate cell-cell and cell-substratum interactions,
modulate the behavior of cellular proteins and receptors, and participate in signal
transduction. They are synthesized de novo via a common backbone (sphinganine) that is
modified to produce ceramides and more complex phospho-and glycosphingolipids. This
minireview summarizes sphingoid base metabolism, function, and perturbation, including
the participation of de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis in disease; other minireviews in this …