Sphinganine1phosphate

Sphinganine-1-phosphate, also called dihydrosphingosine-1-phosphate, is a phosphorylated sphingoid base that participates in sphingolipid metabolism. It is the 1-phosphate derivative of dihydrosphingosine (sphinganine), a saturated analogue of sphingosine.

Chemically, it consists of a long-chain amino alcohol with a phosphate group attached to the first carbon. Under physiological conditions it carries a negative charge and exists primarily as a mono-phosphate. It is formed by the phosphorylation of sphinganine through the action of dihydrosphingosine kinases; the reverse reaction is mediated by lipid phosphatases, which can regenerate sphinganine.

Biological roles of sphinganine-1-phosphate are less well defined than those of sphingosine-1-phosphate. It is generally considered an intermediate in sphingolipid metabolism and may influence signaling indirectly by contributing to the cellular sphingolipid rheostat, which can affect cell fate decisions. Its specific receptor interactions and downstream signaling pathways are not as clearly established, and it is not known to signal via the canonical S1P receptors with the same extent of evidence as S1P.

Distribution and measurement of Sa1P have been reported in various mammalian tissues and cell types. Quantification typically relies on lipidomics approaches such as mass spectrometry. Changes in Sa1P levels often reflect flux through the sphinganine kinase pathway and can be influenced by experimental manipulation or disease states that alter sphingolipid metabolism.

See also: sphinganine, sphingosine-1-phosphate, dihydrosphingosine kinase.