SphK (sphingosine kinase) is a major source of bioactive lipids and GPCR (G protein-coupled receptor) agonists S1P (sphingosine 1-phosphate). S1P promotes cell growth, survival and migration and is a key regulator of lymphocyte transport. Inhibition of S1P signaling has been proposed as a strategy to treat inflammatory diseases and cancer. S1P is an extracellular ligand of five homologous GPCR, S1PR and intracellular lipid intermediates that affect a variety of cellular processes, including migration, growth and survival. S1P regulates the function and transportation of immune cells, induces angiogenesis and regulates endothelial cell function, promotes the survival and migration of cancer cells, and has been suggested as an important mediator in the pathogenesis of cancer, autoimmune and allergic diseases.
