N-[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)heptadec-3-enyl]hexanamide

DescriptionC6 ceramide is a cell-permeable analog of naturally occurring ceramides. With a longer carbon chain than C2 ceramide, it is somewhat more hydrophobic, and may more closely mimic the effects of natural ceramides. C6 ceramide mediates many diverse biological activities including apoptosis, activation of protein phosphatase 2A, and inhibition of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. It also enhances the expression of COX-2 in rat granulosa cells and stimulates the growth of bovine aortic smooth muscle cells. C6 ceramide acts in neuronal axons to inhibit neurite growth.

UsesA biologically active, cell permeable, but nonphysiologic ceramide analog. It stimulates protein phosphatase 2A at concentrations as low as 10 nM and activiates MAP kinase. It induces apoptosis and inhibits glycoproptein traffic by the secretory pathway.

UsesC6 Ceramide (d18:1/6:0) has been used as a chemotherapeutic agent to test its anti-tumor effect in breast cancer cells and ovarian cancer cell lines. It has also been used to test chemo-sensitization effects in cancer cells.

General DescriptionBiologically active, cell-permeable, non-physiological ceramide analog. Induces a dramatic arrest in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. Activates MAP kinase. Activates protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) at 10 nM. Inhibits diacylglycerol accumulation and phospholipase D (PLD) activation in fibroblasts. Induces apoptosis in MOLT-4 leukemia cells.