Ceramide kinase (CERK)

Ceramide kinase (CERK) is an enzyme that specifically phosphorylates ceramide to generate ceramide 1-phosphate (C1P), a bioactive sphingolipid mediator involved in processes such as cell proliferation, survival, apoptosis, inflammation, and phagocytosis. CERK is categorized as a lipid kinase within the transferase family and is encoded by the CERK gene on human chromosome 22. Its enzymatic activity modulates the balance between pro-apoptotic ceramide and pro-survival C1P, thereby linking sphingolipid metabolism to signal transduction pathways controlling cellular responses to stress, inflammation, immune signaling, and oncogenesis. CERK has a broad substrate range for ceramides, shows key regulatory roles in immune cells and membrane dynamics, and is implicated in pathological conditions including cancer, inflammatory diseases, and neurodegeneration.

Other names

KIAA1646hCERKLK4FLJ23239DA59H18.3DKFZp434E0211FLJ21430DA59H18.2acylsphingosine kinaselipid kinase 4lipid kinase LK4CERK1_HUMANHCERK

Enzyme inhibition (for CERK inhibitors) Modulation of ceramide-1-phosphate signaling