Alkaline ceramidase 3 (ACER3)

Alkaline ceramidase 3 (ACER3) is a zinc-dependent, seven-transmembrane domain enzyme located primarily in the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus[3][5]. It hydrolyzes unsaturated long-chain ceramides (especially C18:1, C20:1, and C20:4), dihydroceramides, and phytoceramides to produce sphingosine and free fatty acids[1][2][4]. By regulating the cellular balance of ceramide and sphingosine-1-phosphate, ACER3 influences key processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, myelination, neuronal survival, and immune regulation[1][2][4]. Mutations in ACER3 lead to rare genetic diseases, and its dysfunction is implicated in a spectrum of disorders including cancer, metabolic disease, and neurodegeneration[2][4]. Its unique substrate specificity and pivotal role in sphingolipid metabolism make ACER3 a novel potential therapeutic target and a disease biomarker, though no selective drugs are clinically available at this time[5].

Other names

Alkaline ceramidase 3ACER3APHCPHCAAlkCDase 3Alkaline CDase 3aPHCFLJ11238Alkaline dihydroceramidase SB89Alkaline phytoceramidasePLDECOphytoceramidase

Inhibition or modulation of ACER3 activity could impact the hydrolysis of unsaturated long-chain ceramides, leading to changes in levels of ceramide and sphingosine and thereby influencing cell proliferation and apoptosis[1][2][5].