Sphingolipid Metabolic Pathway: An Overview of Major Roles Played in Human Diseases

Figure 4

Status of different compartments in T2DM. In case of T2DM, the enzymes of the de novo ceramide synthesis, sphingomyelinase (SMPD), and ceramide kinase (CERK) genes are upregulated (⚫). CERT gene which is responsible for the transport of ceramide from ER to Golgi complex is downregulated (x). Consequently, this scenario might result in increased ER stress, insulin resistance, and inflammation, all of which are key pathologies associated with T2DM.