Ceramide synthase 3 (CerS3)

Ceramide synthase 3 (CerS3) is an integral membrane enzyme of the endoplasmic reticulum that catalyzes the N-acylation of sphinganine or sphingosine to generate ultra-long-chain ceramides, particularly those with acyl chains longer than C24. CerS3 is highly expressed in skin and testis. In skin, it is essential for producing specialized ceramides that form the lipid barrier of the stratum corneum, crucial for preventing water loss and environmental penetration. In testis, CerS3 is required for the generation of glycosphingolipids involved in spermatogenesis and hormone production. Mutations in the CERS3 gene cause congenital autosomal recessive ichthyosis and are linked to male infertility. CerS3 has not yet been the subject of direct therapeutic interventions, but the broader ceramide biosynthetic pathway has emerged as a target in metabolic, inflammatory, and neoplastic disorders[1][2][3][4].

Other names

CERS3LASS3ARCI9longevity assurance homologue 3

Inhibition of sphingosine N-acyltransferase activity (blocking ceramide synthesis) Modulation of sphingolipid metabolism[2][7]