Function
Sphingomyelinase (SMase) or sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase is a hydrolase involved in sphingolipid metabolism. It catalyzes the breakdown of sphingomyelin (SM) to phosphocholine and Ceramide[1]. The SMase is classified into 5 types according to their pH dependence and cation dependence.
- Acid SMase-like phosphodiesterase is a paralog of acid SMase and thus though related by gene duplication has different functions.
- Acid SMase-like phosphodiesterase 3A hydrolyzes nucleotides triphosphates and diphosphates.
- Acid SMase-like phosphodiesterase 3B is a GPI-anchored protein with role in inflammatory processes and kidney disease[2].
- Alkaline SMase hydrolyses sphingomyelin in the intestinal tract and bile[3].
See also Lipid signaling.
Disease
Mutations in acid SMase are found in patients with Niemann-Pick disease[4].
