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[Biochemistry](https://durgical.com/en/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](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/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

- [Lysosomal ganglioside breakdown](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/pathways/lysosomal-ganglioside-breakdown/)

## Related conditions

- [Farber disease (Farber lipogranulomatosis)](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/farber-disease/)
- [Multiple sclerosis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/multiple-sclerosis/)

## Related

- [Ceramide](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/molecules/ceramide/)
- [Sphingomyelin](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/molecules/sphingomyelin/)
- [Sphingolipids and sphingolipidoses](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/topics/sphingolipids-and-sphingolipidoses/)
- [Glucosylceramide (glucocerebroside)](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/molecules/glucosylceramide/)
- [Galactosylceramide (galactocerebroside)](https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/molecules/galactosylceramide/)

## 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.

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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)](https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/5280335) (PubChem, NCBI, 2026) · Public domain; [ASAH1 gene: MedlinePlus Genetics](https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/asah1/) (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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Source: https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/molecules/sphingosine/
License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/biochemistry/molecules/sphingosine/