Sphingolipids Basic Science and Drug Development [Paperback]

Sphingolipids are lipid components of the plasma membrane in eukaryotic cells. They have an important function in signaling mechanisms in the cell. This book on sphingolipids provides insights into the basics of sphingolipid biology and drug development, with a particular emphasis on the sphingolipid derivative ceramide. In the first part basic functions of sphingolipids are described, as well as the genetics of important enzymes, sphingolipid metabolism and synthesis. The second part of this first volume focuses on drug development and pharmacology. The book is intended for scientists in pharmacology, biochemistry and cell biology with a focus on biomedical research as well as for clinicians working in pharmacology, oncology, cardiology, neurology and infectious disease.Together with Volume 216 by the same editors, the collection represents a unique, comprehensive work on sphingolipids, providing information on both sphingolipids basic biology (including synthesis, metabolism and cell biology) and their important function in a (patho-)physiological context.This book examines the physiological and pathophysiological role of sphingolipids and their derivative ceramide, and their function in cell signalling, tumor metastasis, cardiovascular disease and neuropsychiatric disorders. Explores treatment options.Preface.- Part 1. Basic mechanisms.- Part 2. Drug development.

Erich Gulbins studied medicine at Heidelberg University, Germany, Guys Hospital in London, UK and the Medical School in Louisville, Kentucky, USA. He received his MD from Heidelberg University in 1992. From 1992 to 1994 he was a clinical trainee and postdoctoral fellow at the University of San Diegos Department of Rheumatology and at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, California, USA. From 1994 to 2000 he held a Research Scientist and Assistant Professor position at the Institute of Physiology, University of T?bingen, Germany, where, in 1996, he became Professor for lÅ