SPHINGOMYELINASE FROM BACILLUS CEREUS (C005B-352906)

General description

Sphingomyelinase from Bacillus cereus (Bc-Smase) is a Mg²⁺-containing metalloenzyme. Bacillus cereus sphingomyelinase induces hemolysis of sheep erythrocytes.

Sphingomyelinase modulates adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-independent endocytosis of fibroblast and large vesicles of macrophages. Sphingomyelinase causes hemolysis of human erythrocytes. It is also a potent virulence factor leading to invasive diseases.

Application

Sphingomyelinase from Bacillus cereus has been used:

• in the measurement of membrane capacitance in brain slices
• for testing and confirming its silkworm-killing activity
• in enzyme activity assay and for elucidating its effect on hydrolysis of sphingomyelin in complex lipid mixtures

Sphingomyelinase has been used in a study to investigate skeletal manifestations in pediatric and adult patients with Niemann Pick disease.

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.

Unit Definition

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

Physical form

Lyophilized powder containing potassium phosphate buffer salts and stabilizer.