@article{BhabakKleuserHuwileretal.2013,
  author    = {Bhabak, Krishna P. and Kleuser, Burkhard and Huwiler, Andrea and Arenz, Christoph},
  title     = {Effective inhibition of acid and neutral ceramidases by novel B-13 and LCL-464 analogues},
  series = {Bioorganic \& medicinal chemistry : a Tetrahedron publication for the rapid dissemination of full original research papers and critical reviews on biomolecular chemistry, medicinal chemistry and related disciplines},
  volume    = {21},
  journal   = {Bioorganic \& medicinal chemistry : a Tetrahedron publication for the rapid dissemination of full original research papers and critical reviews on biomolecular chemistry, medicinal chemistry and related disciplines},
  number    = {4},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  address   = {Oxford},
  issn      = {0968-0896},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.bmc.2012.12.014},
  pages     = {874 -- 882},
  year      = {2013},
  abstract  = {Induction of apoptosis mediated by the inhibition of ceramidases has been shown to enhance the efficacy of conventional chemotherapy in several cancer models. Among the inhibitors of ceramidases reported in the literature, B-13 is considered as a lead compound having good in vitro potency towards acid ceramidase. Furthermore, owing to the poor activity of B-13 on lysosoamal acid ceramidase in living cells, LCL-464 a modified derivative of B-13 containing a basic omega-amino group at the fatty acid was reported to have higher potency towards lysosomal acid ceramidase in living cells. In a search for more potent inhibitors of ceramidases, we have designed a series of compounds with structural modifications of B-13 and LCL-464. In this study, we show that the efficacy of B-13 in vitro as well as in intact cells can be enhanced by suitable modification of functional groups. Furthermore, a detailed SAR investigation on LCL-464 analogues revealed novel promising inhibitors of aCDase and nCDase. In cell culture studies using the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231, some of the newly developed compounds elevated endogenous ceramide levels and in parallel, also induced apoptotic cell death. In summary, this study shows that structural modification of the known ceramidase inhibitors B-13 and LCL-464 generates more potent ceramidase inhibitors that are active in intact cells and not only elevates the cellular ceramide levels, but also enhances cell death.},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{PolzinRassafBoehmetal.2013,
  author    = {Polzin, Amin and Rassaf, Tienush and Boehm, Andreas and Lueth, Anja and Kleuser, Burkhard and Zeus, Tobias and Kelm, Malte and Kroemer, Heyo K. and Schroer, Karsten and Rauch, Bernhard H.},
  title     = {Aspirin inhibits release of platelet-derived sphingosine-1-phosphate in acute myocardial infarction},
  series = {INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY},
  volume    = {170},
  journal   = {INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY},
  number    = {2},
  publisher = {ELSEVIER IRELAND LTD},
  address   = {CLARE},
  issn      = {0167-5273},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.ijcard.2013.10.050},
  pages     = {E23 -- E24},
  year      = {2013},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{GulbinsPalmadaReicheletal.2013,
  author    = {Gulbins, Erich and Palmada, Monica and Reichel, Martin and Lueth, Anja and Boehmer, Christoph and Amato, Davide and Mueller, Christian P. and Tischbirek, Carsten H. and Groemer, Teja W. and Tabatabai, Ghazaleh and Becker, Katrin Anne and Tripal, Philipp and Staedtler, Sven and Ackermann, Teresa F. and van Brederode, Johannes and Alzheimer, Christian and Weller, Michael and Lang, Undine E. and Kleuser, Burkhard and Grassme, Heike and Kornhuber, Johannes},
  title     = {Acid sphingomyelinase-ceramide system mediates effects of antidepressant drugs},
  series = {Nature medicine},
  volume    = {19},
  journal   = {Nature medicine},
  number    = {7},
  publisher = {Nature Publ. Group},
  address   = {New York},
  issn      = {1078-8956},
  doi       = {10.1038/nm.3214},
  pages     = {934 -- +},
  year      = {2013},
  abstract  = {Major depression is a highly prevalent severe mood disorder that is treated with antidepressants. The molecular targets of antidepressants require definition. We investigated the role of the acid sphingomyelinase (Asm)-ceramide system as a target for antidepressants. Therapeutic concentrations of the antidepressants amitriptyline and fluoxetine reduced Asm activity and ceramide concentrations in the hippocampus, increased neuronal proliferation, maturation and survival and improved behavior in mouse models of stress-induced depression. Genetic Asm deficiency abrogated these effects. Mice overexpressing Asm, heterozygous for acid ceramidase, treated with blockers of ceramide metabolism or directly injected with C16 ceramide in the hippocampus had higher ceramide concentrations and lower rates of neuronal proliferation, maturation and survival compared with controls and showed depression-like behavior even in the absence of stress. The decrease of ceramide abundance achieved by antidepressant-mediated inhibition of Asm normalized these effects. Lowering ceramide abundance may thus be a central goal for the future development of antidepressants.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{BoehmFloesserErmleretal.2013,
  author    = {B{\"o}hm, Andreas and Fl{\"o}ßer, Anja and Ermler, Swen and Fender, Anke C. and L{\"u}th, Anja and Kleuser, Burkhard and Schr{\"o}r, Karsten and Rauch, Bernhard H.},
  title     = {Factor-Xa-induced mitogenesis and migration require sphingosine kinase activity and S1P formation in human vascular smooth muscle cells},
  series = {Cardiovascular research},
  volume    = {99},
  journal   = {Cardiovascular research},
  number    = {3},
  publisher = {Oxford Univ. Press},
  address   = {Oxford},
  issn      = {0008-6363},
  doi       = {10.1093/cvr/cvt112},
  pages     = {505 -- 513},
  year      = {2013},
  abstract  = {Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is a cellular signalling lipid generated by sphingosine kinase-1 (SPHK1). The aim of the study was to investigate whether the activated coagulation factor-X (FXa) regulates SPHK1 transcription and the formation of S1P and subsequent mitogenesis and migration of human vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC). FXa induced a time- (36 h) and concentration-dependent (330 nmol/L) increase of SPHK1 mRNA and protein expression in human aortic SMC, resulting in an increased synthesis of S1P. FXa-stimulated transcription of SPHK1 was mediated by the protease-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) and PAR-2. In human carotid artery plaques, expression of SPHK1 was observed at SMC-rich sites and was co-localized with intraplaque FX/FXa content. FXa-induced SPHK1 transcription was attenuated by inhibitors of Rho kinase (Y27632) and by protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms (GF109203X). In addition, FXa rapidly induced the activation of the small GTPase Rho A. Inhibition of signalling pathways which regulate SPHK1 expression, inhibition of its activity or siRNA-mediated SPHK1 knockdown attenuated the mitogenic and chemotactic response of human SMC to FXa. These data suggest that FXa induces SPHK1 expression and increases S1P formation independent of thrombin and that this involves the activation of Rho A and PKC signalling. In addition to its key function in coagulation, this direct effect of FXa on human SMC may increase cell proliferation and migration at sites of vessel injury and thereby contribute to the progression of vascular lesions.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SchaperDickhautJaptoketal.2013,
  author    = {Schaper, Katrin and Dickhaut, Jeannette and Japtok, Lukasz and Kietzmann, Manfred and Mischke, Reinhard and Kleuser, Burkhard and B{\"a}umer, Wolfgang},
  title     = {Sphingosine-1-phosphate exhibits anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects in mouse models of psoriasis},
  series = {Journal of dermatological scienc},
  volume    = {71},
  journal   = {Journal of dermatological scienc},
  number    = {1},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  address   = {Clare},
  issn      = {0923-1811},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.jdermsci.2013.03.006},
  pages     = {29 -- 36},
  year      = {2013},
  abstract  = {Background: It has been indicated that the sphingolipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (SIP) restrains the ability of dendritic cells to migrate to lymph nodes. Furthermore SIP has been demonstrated to inhibit cell growth in human keratinocytes. However, only little is known about the effect of S1P in hyperproliferative and inflammatory in vivo models. Objective: In this study, locally acting SIP was explored in different experimental mouse models of psoriasis vulgaris. Methods: S1P and FTY720 were tested in the imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model, the mouse tail assay and a pilot study of the severe combined immunodeficiency mice (SCID). Results: In the imiquimod model the positive control diflorasone diacetate and S1P, but not FTY720 reduced the imiquimod-induced epidermal hyperproliferation of the ear skin. This effect was confirmed in the SCID model, where S1P treated skin from patients suffering from psoriasis showed a decrease in epidermal thickness compared to vehicle. In the imiquimod model, there was also significant inhibition of ear swelling and a moderate reduction of inflammatory cell influx and oedema formation in ear skin by SIP treatment. The inflammatory response on the back skin was, however, only reduced by diflorasone diacetate. In the mouse tail assay, the influence of S1P and FTY720 in stratum granulosum formation was tested compared to the positive control calcipotriol. Whereas topical administration of calcipotriol led to a low but significant increase of stratum granulosum, S1P and FTY720 lacked such an effect. Conclusion: Taken together, these results imply that topical administration of SIP might be a new option for the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis lesions.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{PutraNeuberReichetzederetal.2014,
  author    = {Putra, Sulistyo Emantoko Dwi and Neuber, Corinna and Reichetzeder, Christoph and Hocher, Berthold and Kleuser, Burkhard},
  title     = {Analysis of genomic DNA methylation levels in human placenta using liquid Chromatography-Electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry},
  series = {Cellular physiology and biochemistry : international journal of experimental cellular physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology},
  volume    = {33},
  journal   = {Cellular physiology and biochemistry : international journal of experimental cellular physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology},
  number    = {4},
  publisher = {Karger},
  address   = {Basel},
  issn      = {1015-8987},
  doi       = {10.1159/000358666},
  pages     = {945 -- 952},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Background: DNA-methylation is a common epigenetic tool which plays a crucial role in gene regulation and is essential for cell differentiation and embryonic development. The placenta is an important organ where gene activity can be regulated by epigenetic DNA modifications, including DNA methylation. This is of interest as, the placenta is the interface between the fetus and its environment, the mother. Exposure to environmental toxins and nutrition during pregnancy may alter DNA methylation of the placenta and subsequently placental function and as a result the phenotype of the offspring. The aim of this study was to develop a reliable method to quantify DNA methylation in large clinical studies. This will be a tool to analyze the degree of DNA methylation in the human placenta in relationship to clinical readouts. Methods: Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization/multi-stage mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/MS/MS) technique was used for the quantification of the 5dmC/dG ratio in placentas from 248 healthy pregnancies. We were able to demonstrate that this method is a reliable and stable way to determine global placental DNA methylation in large clinical trials. Results/Conclusion: The degree of placental DNA methylation seen in our pilot study varies substantially from 2\% to 5\%. The clinical implications of this variation need to be demonstrated in adequately powered large studies.},
  language  = {en}
}
@inproceedings{ArltSchwiebsPfarretal.2014,
  author    = {Arlt, Olga and Schwiebs, Anja and Pfarr, Kathrin and Ranglack, Annika and Bouzas, Ferreiros Nerea and Schreiber, Yannick and Neuber, Corinna and Kleuser, Burkhard and Pfeilschifter, Josef M. and Radeke, Heinfried H.},
  title     = {Dynamic interaction between sphingolipid enzymes, S1P and inflammatory cytokine regulation in dendritic cells},
  series = {NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERGS ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY},
  volume    = {387},
  booktitle = {NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERGS ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY},
  publisher = {Springer},
  address   = {New York},
  issn      = {0028-1298},
  pages     = {S91 -- S91},
  year      = {2014},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{ImeriFalleggerZivkovicetal.2014,
  author    = {Imeri, Faik and Fallegger, Daniel and Zivkovic, Aleksandra and Schwalm, Stephanie and Enzmann, Gaby and Blankenbach, Kira and Heringdorf, Dagmar Meyer Zu and Homann, Thomas and Kleuser, Burkhard and Pfeilschifter, Josef and Engelhardt, Britta and Stark, Holger and Huwiler, Andrea},
  title     = {Novel oxazolo-oxazole derivatives of FTY720 reduce endothelial cell permeability, immune cell chemotaxis and symptoms of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in mice},
  series = {Neuropharmacology},
  volume    = {85},
  journal   = {Neuropharmacology},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  address   = {Oxford},
  issn      = {0028-3908},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.neuropharm.2014.05.012},
  pages     = {314 -- 327},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {The immunomodulatory FTY720 (fingolimod) is presently approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. It is a prodrug that acts by modulating sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor signaling. In this study, we have developed and characterized two novel oxazolo-oxazole derivatives of FTY720, ST-968 and the oxy analog ST-1071, which require no preceding activating phosphorylation, and proved to be active in intact cells and triggered S1P(1) and S1P(3), but not S1P(2), receptor internalization as a result of receptor activation. Functionally, ST-968 and ST-1071 acted similar to FTY720 to abrogate S1P-triggered chemotaxis of mouse splenocytes, mouse T cells and human U937 cells, and reduced TNFa- and LPS-stimulated endothelial cell permeability. The compounds also reduced TNF alpha-induced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 mRNA expression, but restored TNF alpha-mediated downregulation of PECAM-1 mRNA expression. In an in vivo setting, the application of ST-968 or ST-1071 to mice resulted in a reduction of blood lymphocytes and significantly reduced the clinical symptoms of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in C57BL/6 mice comparable to FTY720 either by prophylactic or therapeutic treatment. In parallel to the reduced clinical symptoms, infiltration of immune cells in the brain was strongly reduced, and in isolated tissues of brain and spinal cord, the mRNA and protein expressions of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, as well as of matrix metalloproteinase-9 were reduced by all compounds, whereas PECAM-1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase TIMP-1 were upregulated. In summary, the data suggest that these novel butterfly derivatives of FTY720 could have considerable implication for future therapies of multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{KellerCatalaLehnenHuebneretal.2014,
  author    = {Keller, Johannes and Catala-Lehnen, Philip and Huebner, Antje K. and Jeschke, Anke and Heckt, Timo and Lueth, Anja and Krause, Matthias and Koehne, Till and Albers, Joachim and Schulze, Jochen and Schilling, Sarah and Haberland, Michael and Denninger, Hannah and Neven, Mona and Hermans-Borgmeyer, Irm and Streichert, Thomas and Breer, Stefan and Barvencik, Florian and Levkau, Bodo and Rathkolb, Birgit and Wolf, Eckhard and Calzada-Wack, Julia and Neff, Frauke and Gailus-Durner, Valerie and Fuchs, Helmut and de Angelis, Martin Hrabe and Klutmann, Susanne and Tsourdi, Elena and Hofbauer, Lorenz C. and Kleuser, Burkhard and Chun, Jerold and Schinke, Thorsten and Amling, Michael},
  title     = {Calcitonin controls bone formation by inhibiting the release of sphingosine 1-phosphate from osteoclasts},
  series = {Nature Communications},
  volume    = {5},
  journal   = {Nature Communications},
  publisher = {Nature Publ. Group},
  address   = {London},
  issn      = {2041-1723},
  doi       = {10.1038/ncomms6215},
  pages     = {13},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {The hormone calcitonin (CT) is primarily known for its pharmacologic action as an inhibitor of bone resorption, yet CT-deficient mice display increased bone formation. These findings raised the question about the underlying cellular and molecular mechanism of CT action. Here we show that either ubiquitous or osteoclast-specific inactivation of the murine CT receptor (CTR) causes increased bone formation. CT negatively regulates the osteoclast expression of Spns2 gene, which encodes a transporter for the signalling lipid sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P). CTR-deficient mice show increased S1P levels, and their skeletal phenotype is normalized by deletion of the S1P receptor S1P(3). Finally, pharmacologic treatment with the nonselective S1P receptor agonist FTY720 causes increased bone formation in wild-type, but not in S1P(3)-deficient mice. This study redefines the role of CT in skeletal biology, confirms that S1P acts as an osteoanabolic molecule in vivo and provides evidence for a pharmacologically exploitable crosstalk between osteoclasts and osteoblasts.},
  language  = {en}
}
@inproceedings{BaranyaiGoedtelArmbrustNestleretal.2014,
  author    = {Baranyai, Dorothea and Goedtel-Armbrust, Ute and Nestler, Sebastian and Kleuser, Burkhard and Wojnowski, Leszek},
  title     = {A role for cutaneous CYP3A in vitamin D homeostasis?},
  series = {NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERGS ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY},
  volume    = {387},
  booktitle = {NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERGS ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY},
  publisher = {Springer},
  address   = {New York},
  issn      = {0028-1298},
  pages     = {S27 -- S27},
  year      = {2014},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SicKrausMadletal.2014,
  author    = {Sic, Heiko and Kraus, Helene and Madl, Josef and Flittner, Karl-Andreas and von Muenchow, Audrey Lilly and Pieper, Kathrin and Rizzi, Marta and Kienzler, Anne-Kathrin and Ayata, Korcan and Rauer, Sebastian and Kleuser, Burkhard and Salzer, Ulrich and Burger, Meike and Zirlik, Katja and Lougaris, Vassilios and Plebani, Alessandro and Roemer, Winfried and Loeffler, Christoph and Scaramuzza, Samantha and Villa, Anna and Noguchi, Emiko and Grimbacher, Bodo and Eibel, Hermann},
  title     = {Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors control B-cell migration through signaling components associated with primary immunodeficiencies, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and multiple sclerosis},
  series = {The journal of allergy and clinical immunology},
  volume    = {134},
  journal   = {The journal of allergy and clinical immunology},
  number    = {2},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  address   = {New York},
  issn      = {0091-6749},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.jaci.2014.01.037},
  pages     = {420 -- +},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Background: Five different G protein-coupled sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptors (S1P1-S1P5) regulate a variety of physiologic and pathophysiologic processes, including lymphocyte circulation, multiple sclerosis (MS), and cancer. Although B-lymphocyte circulation plays an important role in these processes and is essential for normal immune responses, little is known about S1P receptors in human B cells. Objective: To explore their function and signaling, we studied B-cell lines and primary B cells from control subjects, patients with leukemia, patients with S1P receptor inhibitor-treated MS, and patients with primary immunodeficiencies. Methods: S1P receptor expression was analyzed by using multicolor immunofluorescence microscopy and quantitative PCR. Transwell assays were used to study cell migration. S1P receptor internalization was visualized by means of time-lapse imaging with fluorescent S1P receptor fusion proteins expressed by using lentiviral gene transfer. B-lymphocyte subsets were characterized by means of flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy. Results: Showing that different B-cell populations express different combinations of S1P receptors, we found that S1P1 promotes migration, whereas S1P4 modulates and S1P2 inhibits S1P1 signals. Expression of CD69 in activated B lymphocytes and B cells from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia inhibited S1P-induced migration. Studying B-cell lines, normal B lymphocytes, and B cells from patients with primary immunodeficiencies, we identified Bruton tyrosine kinase, beta-arrestin 2, LPS-responsive beige-like anchor protein, dedicator of cytokinesis 8, and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein as critical signaling components downstream of S1P1. Conclusion: Thus S1P receptor signaling regulates human B-cell circulation and might be a factor contributing to the pathology of MS, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and primary immunodeficiencies.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{NeuberSchumacherGulbinsetal.2014,
  author    = {Neuber, Corinna and Schumacher, Fabian and Gulbins, Erich and Kleuser, Burkhard},
  title     = {Method to simultaneously determine the sphingosine 1-phosphate breakdown product (2E)-hexadecenal and its fatty acid derivatives using isotope-dilution HPLC-electrospray ionization-quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry},
  series = {Analytical chemistry},
  volume    = {86},
  journal   = {Analytical chemistry},
  number    = {18},
  publisher = {American Chemical Society},
  address   = {Washington},
  issn      = {0003-2700},
  doi       = {10.1021/ac501677y},
  pages     = {9065 -- 9073},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), a bioactive lipid involved in various physiological processes, can be irreversibly degraded by the membrane-bound S1P lyase (S1PL) yielding (2E)-hexadecenal and phosphoethanolamine. It is discussed that (2E)-hexadecenal is further oxidized to (2E)-hexadecenoic acid by the long-chain fatty aldehyde dehydrogenase ALDH3A2 (also known as FALDH) prior to activation via coupling to coenzyme A (CoA). Inhibition or defects in these enzymes, S1PL or FALDH, result in severe immunological disorders or the Sjogren-Larsson syndrome, respectively. Hence, it is of enormous importance to simultaneously determine the S1P breakdown product (2E)-hexadecenal and its fatty acid metabolites in biological samples. However, no method is available so far. Here, we present a sensitive and selective isotope-dilution high performance liquid chromatographyelectrospray ionizationquadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry method for simultaneous quantification of (2E)-hexadecenal and its fatty acid metabolites following derivatization with 2-diphenylacetyl-1,3-indandione-1-hydrazone and 1-ethyl-3-(3-(dimethylamino)propyl)carbodiimide. Optimized conditions for sample derivatization, chromatographic separation, and MS/MS detection are presented as well as an extensive method validation. Finally, our method was successfully applied to biological samples. We found that (2E)-hexadecenal is almost quantitatively oxidized to (2E)-hexadecenoic acid, that is further activated as verified by cotreatment of HepG2 cell lysates with (2E)-hexadecenal and the acyl-CoA synthetase inhibitor triacsin C. Moreover, incubations of cell lysates with deuterated (2E)-hexadecenal revealed that no hexadecanoic acid is formed from the aldehyde. Thus, our method provides new insights into the sphingolipid metabolism and will be useful to investigate diseases known for abnormalities in long-chain fatty acid metabolism, e.g., the Sjogren-Larsson syndrome, in more detail.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{PastukhovSchwalmZangemeisterWittkeetal.2014,
  author    = {Pastukhov, Oleksandr and Schwalm, Stephanie and Zangemeister-Wittke, Uwe and Fabbro, Doriano and Bornancin, Frederic and Japtok, Lukasz and Kleuser, Burkhard and Pfeilschifter, Josef and Huwiler, Andrea},
  title     = {The ceramide kinase inhibitor NVP-231 inhibits breast and lung cancer cell proliferation by inducing M phase arrest and subsequent cell death},
  series = {British journal of pharmacology : journal of The British Pharmacological Society},
  volume    = {171},
  journal   = {British journal of pharmacology : journal of The British Pharmacological Society},
  number    = {24},
  publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell},
  address   = {Hoboken},
  issn      = {0007-1188},
  doi       = {10.1111/bph.12886},
  pages     = {5829 -- 5844},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Background and PurposeCeramide kinase (CerK) catalyzes the generation of ceramide-1-phosphate which may regulate various cellular functions, including inflammatory reactions and cell growth. Here, we studied the effect of a recently developed CerK inhibitor, NVP-231, on cancer cell proliferation and viability and investigated the role of cell cycle regulators implicated in these responses. Experimental ApproachThe breast and lung cancer cell lines MCF-7 and NCI-H358 were treated with increasing concentrations of NVP-231 and DNA synthesis, colony formation and cell death were determined. Flow cytometry was performed to analyse cell cycle distribution of cells and Western blot analysis was used to detect changes in cell cycle regulator expression and activation. Key ResultsIn both cell lines, NVP-231 concentration-dependently reduced cell viability, DNA synthesis and colony formation. Moreover it induced apoptosis, as measured by increased DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 and caspase-9 cleavage. Cell cycle analysis revealed that NVP-231 decreased the number of cells in S phase and induced M phase arrest with an increased mitotic index, as determined by increased histone H3 phosphorylation. The effect on the cell cycle was even more pronounced when NVP-231 treatment was combined with staurosporine. Finally, overexpression of CerK protected, whereas down-regulation of CerK with siRNA sensitized, cells for staurosporine-induced apoptosis. Conclusions and ImplicationsOur data demonstrate for the first time a crucial role for CerK in the M phase control in cancer cells and suggest its targeted inhibition, using drugs such as NVP-231, in combination with conventional pro-apoptotic chemotherapy.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{PewznerJungTabazavarehGrassmeetal.2014,
  author    = {Pewzner-Jung, Yael and Tabazavareh, Shaghayegh Tavakoli and Grassme, Heike and Becker, Katrin Anne and Japtok, Lukasz and Steinmann, Joerg and Joseph, Tammar and Lang, Stephan and Tuemmler, Burkhard and Schuchman, Edward H. and Lentsch, Alex B. and Kleuser, Burkhard and Edwards, Michael J. and Futerman, Anthony H. and Gulbins, Erich},
  title     = {Sphingoid long chain bases prevent lung infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa},
  series = {EMBO molecular medicine},
  volume    = {6},
  journal   = {EMBO molecular medicine},
  number    = {9},
  publisher = {Wiley-Blackwell},
  address   = {Hoboken},
  issn      = {1757-4676},
  doi       = {10.15252/emmm.201404075},
  pages     = {1205 -- 1214},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Cystic fibrosis patients and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, trauma, burn wound, or patients requiring ventilation are susceptible to severe pulmonary infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Physiological innate defense mechanisms against this pathogen, and their alterations in lung diseases, are for the most part unknown. We now demonstrate a role for the sphingoid long chain base, sphingosine, in determining susceptibility to lung infection by P.aeruginosa. Tracheal and bronchial sphingosine levels were significantly reduced in tissues from cystic fibrosis patients and from cystic fibrosis mouse models due to reduced activity of acid ceramidase, which generates sphingosine from ceramide. Inhalation of mice with sphingosine, with a sphingosine analog, FTY720, or with acid ceramidase rescued susceptible mice from infection. Our data suggest that luminal sphingosine in tracheal and bronchial epithelial cells prevents pulmonary P.aeruginosa infection in normal individuals, paving the way for novel therapeutic paradigms based on inhalation of acid ceramidase or of sphingoid long chain bases in lung infection.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{FayyazHenkelJaptoketal.2014,
  author    = {Fayyaz, Susann and Henkel, Janin and Japtok, Lukasz and Kr{\"a}mer, Stephanie and Damm, Georg and Seehofer, Daniel and P{\"u}schel, Gerhard Paul and Kleuser, Burkhard},
  title     = {Involvement of sphingosine 1-phosphate in palmitate-induced insulin resistance of hepatocytes via the S1P(2) receptor subtype},
  series = {Diabetologia : journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)},
  volume    = {57},
  journal   = {Diabetologia : journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)},
  number    = {2},
  publisher = {Springer},
  address   = {New York},
  issn      = {0012-186X},
  doi       = {10.1007/s00125-013-3123-6},
  pages     = {373 -- 382},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Enhanced plasma levels of NEFA have been shown to induce hepatic insulin resistance, which contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes. Indeed, sphingolipids can be formed via a de novo pathway from the saturated fatty acid palmitate and the amino acid serine. Besides ceramides, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) has been identified as a major bioactive lipid mediator. Therefore, our aim was to investigate the generation and function of S1P in hepatic insulin resistance. The incorporation of palmitate into sphingolipids was performed by rapid-resolution liquid chromatography-MS/MS in primary human and rat hepatocytes. The influence of S1P and the involvement of S1P receptors in hepatic insulin resistance was examined in human and rat hepatocytes, as well as in New Zealand obese (NZO) mice. Palmitate induced an impressive formation of extra- and intracellular S1P in rat and human hepatocytes. An elevation of hepatic S1P levels was observed in NZO mice fed a high-fat diet. Once generated, S1P was able, similarly to palmitate, to counteract insulin signalling. The inhibitory effect of S1P was abolished in the presence of the S1P(2) receptor antagonist JTE-013 both in vitro and in vivo. In agreement with this, the immunomodulator FTY720-phosphate, which binds to all S1P receptors except S1P(2), was not able to inhibit insulin signalling. These data indicate that palmitate is metabolised by hepatocytes to S1P, which acts via stimulation of the S1P(2) receptor to impair insulin signalling. In particular, S1P(2) inhibition could be considered as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of insulin resistance.},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{ArltSchwiebsJaptoketal.2014,
  author    = {Arlt, Olga and Schwiebs, Anja and Japtok, Lukasz and Rueger, Katja and Katzy, Elisabeth and Kleuser, Burkhard and Radeke, Heinfried H.},
  title     = {Sphingosine-1-Phosphate modulates dendritic cell function: focus on non-migratory effects in vitro and in vivo},
  series = {Cellular physiology and biochemistry : international journal of experimental cellular physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology},
  volume    = {34},
  journal   = {Cellular physiology and biochemistry : international journal of experimental cellular physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology},
  number    = {1},
  publisher = {Karger},
  address   = {Basel},
  issn      = {1015-8987},
  doi       = {10.1159/000362982},
  pages     = {27 -- 44},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Dendritic cells (DCs) are the cutting edge in innate and adaptive immunity. The major functions of these antigen presenting cells are the capture, endosomal processing and presentation of antigens, providing them an exclusive ability to provoke adaptive immune responses and to induce and control tolerance. Immature DCs capture and process antigens, migrate towards secondary lymphoid organs where they present antigens to naive T cells in a well synchronized sequence of procedures referred to as maturation. Indeed, recent research indicated that sphingolipids are modulators of essential steps in DC homeostasis. It has been recognized that sphingolipids not only modulate the development of DC subtypes from precursor cells but also influence functional activities of DCs such as antigen capture, and cytokine profiling. Thus, it is not astonishing that sphingolipids and sphingolipid metabolism play a substantial role in inflammatory diseases that are modulated by DCs. Here we highlight the function of sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) on DC homeostasis and the role of SIP and SW metabolism in inflammatory diseases.},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{FayyazJaptokKleuser2014,
  author    = {Fayyaz, Susann and Japtok, Lukasz and Kleuser, Burkhard},
  title     = {Divergent role of sphingosine 1-Phosphate on insulin resistance},
  series = {Cellular physiology and biochemistry : international journal of experimental cellular physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology},
  volume    = {34},
  journal   = {Cellular physiology and biochemistry : international journal of experimental cellular physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology},
  number    = {1},
  publisher = {Karger},
  address   = {Basel},
  issn      = {1015-8987},
  doi       = {10.1159/000362990},
  pages     = {134 -- 147},
  year      = {2014},
  abstract  = {Insulin resistance is a complex metabolic disorder in which insulin-sensitive tissues fail to respond to the physiological action of insulin. There is a strong correlation of insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes both reaching epidemic proportions. Dysfunctional lipid metabolism is a hallmark of insulin resistance and a risk factor for several cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. Numerous studies in humans and rodents have shown that insulin resistance is associated with elevations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in the plasma. Moreover, bioactive lipid intermediates such as diacylglycerol (DAG) and ceramides appear to accumulate in response to NEFA, which may interact with insulin signaling. However, recent work has also indicated that sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), a breakdown product of ceramide, modulate insulin signaling in different cell types. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge about S1P and insulin signaling in insulin sensitive cells. A specific focus is put on the action of S1P on hepatocytes, pancreatic beta-cells and skeletal muscle cells. In particular, modulation of S1P-signaling can be considered as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{GereckeScholtkaLoewensteinetal.2015,
  author    = {Gerecke, Christian and Scholtka, Bettina and Loewenstein, Yvonne and Fait, Isabel and Gottschalk, Uwe and Rogoll, Dorothee and Melcher, Ralph and Kleuser, Burkhard},
  title     = {Hypermethylation of ITGA4, TFPI2 and VIMENTIN promoters is increased in inflamed colon tissue: putative risk markers for colitis-associated cancer},
  series = {Journal of cancer research and clinical oncology : official organ of the Deutsche Krebsgesellschaft},
  volume    = {141},
  journal   = {Journal of cancer research and clinical oncology : official organ of the Deutsche Krebsgesellschaft},
  number    = {12},
  publisher = {Springer},
  address   = {New York},
  issn      = {0171-5216},
  doi       = {10.1007/s00432-015-1972-8},
  pages     = {2097 -- 2107},
  year      = {2015},
  abstract  = {Epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor genes is involved in early transforming events and has a high impact on colorectal carcinogenesis. Likewise, colon cancers that derive from chronically inflamed bowel diseases frequently exhibit epigenetic changes. But there is little data about epigenetic aberrations causing colorectal cancer in chronically inflamed tissue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the aberrant gain of methylation in the gene promoters of VIM, TFPI2 and ITGA4 as putative early markers in the development from inflamed tissue via precancerous lesions toward colorectal cancer. Initial screening of different cancer cell lines by using methylation-specific PCR revealed a putative colon cancer-specific methylation pattern. Additionally, a demethylation assay was performed to investigate the methylation-dependent gene silencing of ITGA4. The candidate markers were analyzed in colonic tissue specimens from patients with colorectal cancer (n = 15), adenomas (n = 76), serrated lesions (n = 13), chronic inflammation (n = 10) and normal mucosal samples (n = 9). A high methylation frequency of VIM (55.6 \%) was observed in normal colon tissue, whereas ITGA4 and TFPI2 were completely unmethylated in controls. A significant gain of methylation frequency with progression of disease as well as an age-dependent effect was detectable for TFPI2. ITGA4 methylation frequency was high in precancerous and cancerous tissues as well as in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The already established methylation marker VIM does not permit a specific and sensitive discrimination of healthy and neoplastic tissue. The methylation markers ITGA4 and TFPI2 seem to be suitable risk markers for inflammation-associated colon cancer.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{SchraplauScheweNeuschaeferRubeetal.2015,
  author    = {Schraplau, Anne and Schewe, Bettina and Neusch{\"a}fer-Rube, Frank and Ringel, Sebastian and Neuber, Corinna and Kleuser, Burkhard and P{\"u}schel, Gerhard Paul},
  title     = {Enhanced thyroid hormone breakdown in hepatocytes by mutual induction of the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR, NR1I3) and arylhydrocarbon receptor by benzo[a]pyrene and phenobarbital},
  series = {Toxicology},
  volume    = {328},
  journal   = {Toxicology},
  publisher = {Elsevier},
  address   = {Clare},
  issn      = {0300-483X},
  doi       = {10.1016/j.tox.2014.12.004},
  pages     = {21 -- 28},
  year      = {2015},
  abstract  = {Xenobiotics may interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid endocrine axis by inducing enzymes that inactivate thyroid hormones and thereby reduce the metabolic rate. This induction results from an activation of xeno-sensing nuclear receptors. The current study shows that benzo[a]pyrene, a frequent contaminant of processed food and activator of the arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activated the promoter and induced the transcription of the nuclear receptor constitutive androstane receptor (CAR, NR1I3) in rat hepatocytes. Likewise, phenobarbital induced the AhR transcription. This mutual induction of the nuclear receptors enhanced the phenobarbital-dependent induction of the prototypic CAR target gene Cyp2b1 as well as the AhR-dependent induction of UDP-glucuronosyltransferases. In both cases, the induction by the combination of both xenobiotics was more than the sum of the induction by either substance alone. By inducing the AhR, phenobarbital enhanced the benzo[a]pyrene-dependent reduction of thyroid hormone half-life and the benzo[a]pyrene-dependent increase in the rate of thyroid hormone glucuronide formation in hepatocyte cultures. CAR ligands might thus augment the endocrine disrupting potential of AhR activators by an induction of the AhR. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{PrueferKleuservanderGiet2015,
  author    = {Pr{\"u}fer, Nicole and Kleuser, Burkhard and van der Giet, Markus},
  title     = {The role of serum amyloid A and sphingosine-1-phosphate on high-density lipoprotein functionality},
  series = {Biological chemistry},
  volume    = {396},
  journal   = {Biological chemistry},
  number    = {6-7},
  publisher = {De Gruyter},
  address   = {Berlin},
  issn      = {1431-6730},
  doi       = {10.1515/hsz-2014-0192},
  pages     = {573 -- 583},
  year      = {2015},
  abstract  = {The high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is one of the most important endogenous cardiovascular protective markers. HDL is an attractive target in the search for new pharmaceutical therapies and in the prevention of cardiovascular events. Some of HDL's anti-atherogenic properties are related to the signaling molecule sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), which plays an important role in vascular homeostasis. However, for different patient populations it seems more complicated. Significant changes in HDL's protective potency are reduced under pathologic conditions and HDL might even serve as a proatherogenic particle. Under uremic conditions especially there is a change in the compounds associated with HDL. S1P is reduced and acute phase proteins such as serum amyloid A (SAA) are found to be elevated in HDL. The conversion of HDL in inflammation changes the functional properties of HDL. High amounts of SAA are associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. SAA has potent pro-atherogenic properties, which may have impact on HDL's biological functions, including cholesterol efflux capacity, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. This review focuses on two molecules that affect the functionality of HDL. The balance between functional and dysfunctional HDL is disturbed after the loss of the protective sphingolipid molecule S1P and the accumulation of the acute-phase protein SAA. This review also summarizes the biological activities of lipid-free and lipid-bound SAA and its impact on HDL function.},
  language  = {en}
}