What is the Role of the smpd1 Gene in Cellular Metabolism?
The smpd1 gene is responsible for encoding ASM, an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin to produce ceramide. Ceramide acts as a bioactive lipid mediator involved in regulating cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and stress responses. Dysregulation of ASM activity, whether through genetic mutations or exposure to toxicants, can disrupt these processes and contribute to metabolic disorders.
