The role of sphingosine 1-phosphate in inflammation and cancer.

The enzymes that catalyze formation of the bioactive sphingolipid, sphingosine 1-phosphate, sphingosine kinase 1 and 2, are predictive markers in inflammatory diseases and cancer as evidenced by data from patients, knockout mice and the use of available molecular and chemical inhibitors. Thus, there is a compelling case for therapeutic targeting of sphingosine kinase. In addition, there are several examples of functional interaction between sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors and sphingosine kinase 1 that can drive malicious amplification loops that promote cancer cell growth. These novel aspects of sphingosine 1-phosphate pathobiology are reviewed herein.