Ceramide as an endothelial cell surface receptor and a lung-specific lipid vascular target for circulating ligands.

ABSTRACT: The vascular endothelium from individual organs is functionally specialized, and it displays a unique set of accessible molecular targets. These serve as endothelial cell receptors to affinity ligands. To date, all identified vascular receptors have been proteins. Here, we show that an endothelial lung-homing peptide (CGSPGWVRC) interacts with C16-ceramide, a bioactive sphingolipid that mediates several biological functions. Upon binding to cell surfaces, CGSPGWVRC triggers ceramide-rich platform formation, activates acid sphingomyelinase and ceramide production, without the associated downstream apoptotic signaling. We also show that the lung selectivity of CGSPGWVRC homing peptide is dependent on ceramide production in vivo. Finally, we demonstrate two potential applications for this lip

SUBMITTER: Staquicini DI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10450669 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature