Ceramides and their roles in programmed cell death

Programmed cell death plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis and integrity of multicellular or-ganisms, and its dysregulation contributes to the pathogenesis of many diseases. Programmed cell death is regulated by a range of macromolecules and low-molecular messengers, including ceramides. Endogenous ceramides have different functions, that are influenced by their localization and the presence of their target molecules. This article provides an overview of the current understanding of ceramides and their impact on various types of programmed cell death, including apoptosis, anoikis, macroautophagy and mitophagy, and necroptosis. Moreover, it highlights the emergence of dihydroceramides as a new class of bioactive sphingolipids and their downstream targets as well as their future roles in cancer cell growth, drug resistance and tumor metastasis.

Automated summary

Programmed cell death is crucial for maintaining the homeostasis and integrity of multicellular organisms, and dysregulation of this process contributes to various diseases. Ceramides, a group of macromolecules and low-molecular messengers, play important roles in regulating programmed cell death. Different types of ceramides have distinct functions in cell death, and dihydroceramides have emerged as a new class of bioactive sphingolipids with future implications in cancer growth, drug resistance, and tumor metastasis.