SPHINGOMYELINASE FROM BACILLUS CEREUS (C005B-343903)

General description

Sphingomyelinase (SMase) is a hydrolase, of 34.2 kDa and its active site contain as a minimum of two magnesium atoms.

Application

Sphingomyelinase from Bacillus cereus has been used:

• in the study to analyse the effect of sphingomyelinase on Rubella virus infectivity in cell lines
• in lipoprotein modification for the generation of cholesterol crystals in vitro
• to aggregate LDL (low-density lipoprotein)

Sphingomyelinase has been used in a study to assess the interaction of actin with the HIV-1 accessory protein Nef. Sphingomyelinase has also been used in a study to investigate X-ray scattering as a quality-control tool for liposomal drug-delivery systems.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Initiates the formation of sphingomyelin-based second messengers. Activates MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) and SAPKs (stress-activated protein kinases); generates ceramide from sphingomyelin.

Sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase (SMPD) participates in the metabolic reactions comprising sphingomyelin. SMPD has the ability to prevent colorectal carcinoma and colitis.

Unit Definition

One unit will hydrolyze 1.0 μmole of TNPAL-sphingomyelin per min at pH 7.4 at 37 °C.

Physical form

Solution in 50% glycerol containing 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 7.5.