Das Rätsel der Sphinx — Mechanismen der zellulären Sphingolipidhomöostase

Sphingolipids are abundant and essential molecules in eukaryotes that have crucial functions as signalling molecules and as membrane components. They are important for many processes, including endocytic transport and plasma membrane integrity. Pathological changes in sphingolipid levels are associated with many common pathologies, ranging from obesity and cancer to neurodegenerative diseases and genetic disorders. Here we discuss the molecular mechanisms of cells to maintain sphingolipid homeostasis.