The cross talk between nitric oxide and ceramide: Coordinate interactions among signaling pathways regulating cell death, survival, and differentiation

Sphingolipids, a family of phospho/glycolipids built upon sphingoid bases, comprise members of variable complexity, from simple ceramide and sphingosine to the elaborate sialic acid-containing gangliosides. They participate not only in the mechanical stabilization and chemical resistance of the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane but also in several intracellular signalling pathways presiding over complex cell functions, including growth, migration, differentiation, and death [1]. The action of sphingolipids in these intracellular pathways often takes place through coordinate interplays with other second messenger molecules and their generating enzymes [2-4]. One such molecule is the short-lived gaseous messenger nitric oxide (NO).