Background: Acid ceramidase is a lipid hydrolyase responsible for the degradation of ceramide into sphingosine and free fatty acids within lysosomes. It can also synthesize ceramide from sphingosine and free fatty acids as well. The reverse activity is pH dependent (6.0 vs 4.5, respectively). This suggests that the enzyme may have diverse functions within cells dependent on its subcellular location and the local pH. Recent studies have shown that acid ceramidase activity is aberrantly expressed in several human cancers and that it might be a useful drug target. As an example, inhibitors of enzyme activity have been shown to slow the growth of cancer cells alone or in combination with other established, anti-oncogenic treatments. Aberrant activity has also been shown in AlzheimerÕs disease and overexpression may prevent insulin resistant (Type II) diabetes by free fatty acids.
Positive Control: Human heart tissue
Immunogen: Synthetic peptide derived from the C terminal region of the ASAH1 protein.
Purification Method: Antigen Immunoaffiinity Purification
Concentration: See vial for concentration
Formulation: Provided as solution in phosphate buffered saline with 0.08% sodium azide
References: 1. Park, J.H., et al. 'Acid ceramidase and human disease.' Biochim Biophys Acta 2006; 1758:2133-2138.2. Zeidan, Y.H., et al. 'Acid ceramidase but not acid sphingomyelinase is required for tumor necrosis factor-{alpha}-induced PGE2 production.' J. Biol. Chem. 2006; 281:24695-24703.3. Shtraizent, N., et al. 'Autoproteolytic cleavage and activation of human acid ceramidase.' J. Biol. Chem. 2008; 283:11253-11259.
UniProt: Q53H01-HumanQ9EQJ6-RatQ9WV54-Mouse
Caution: This product is intended FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY, and FOR TESTS IN VITRO, not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures involving humans or animals.