The Sphingomyelinase Family
Currently, five types of SMase have been identified. These are classified according to their cation dependence and pH optima of action and are:
- Lysosomal Acid SMase
- Secreted zinc-dependent Acid SMase
- Magnesium-dependent Neutral SMase
- Magnesium-independent Neutral SMase
- Alkaline SMase
Of these, the lysosomal acidic SMase and the magnesium-dependent neutral SMase are considered major candidates for the production of ceramide in the cellular response to stress.
Read more about this topic: Sphingomyelin Phosphodiesterase
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