Biochemistry · Molecule
Sphingosine !
Sphingosine is the amino alcohol backbone of all sphingolipids. It is released when lysosomes break down ceramide.
Updated 2026-11-01
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Key facts
- Ceramide = sphingosine + a fatty acid in amide bond; acid ceramidase splits it in the lysosome.
- Most sphingosine is reused to make new ceramide (salvage pathway).
- Sphingosine kinase turns it into sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a signal for lymphocyte traffic and vessels.
- Formula
- C₁₈H₃₇NO₂
- PubChem
- CID 5280335
Structure
- An 18-carbon chain with an amino group at C2, hydroxyls at C1 and C3 and a trans double bond at C4.
Clinical notes
- Farber disease: without acid ceramidase, ceramide cannot release sphingosine and accumulates.
- Fingolimod, a sphingosine analogue, acts on S1P receptors and is used in multiple sclerosis.
Pathways
Related conditions
Related
- Ceramide
- Sphingomyelin
- Sphingolipids and sphingolipidoses
- Glucosylceramide (glucocerebroside)
- Galactosylceramide (galactocerebroside)
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
What two pieces make up ceramide?
Sphingosine and a fatty acid joined by an amide bond.
Which enzyme releases sphingosine from ceramide in the lysosome?
Acid ceramidase (ASAH1); its deficiency causes Farber disease.
Which signalling lipid is made from sphingosine?
Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), made by sphingosine kinase.
Molecules are shown in their neutral form, as the databases deposit them; in the cell the acids and phosphates are ionised.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Sources: Sphingosine (CID 5280335) (PubChem, NCBI, 2026) · Public domain; ASAH1 gene: MedlinePlus Genetics (MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine, 2026); Textbook of Biochemistry for Medical Students, 6th ed. (Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (Vasudevan DM, Sreekumari S, Vaidyanathan K), 2011).
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