Crystal Structure of Sphingosine Kinase 1 with PF-543

The most potent inhibitor of Sphingosine Kinase 1 (SPHK1) so far identified is PF-543. The crystal structure of SPHK1 in complex with inhibitor PF-543 to 1.8 angstrom resolution reveals the inhibitor bound in a bent conformation analogous to that expected of a bound sphingosine substrate but with a rotated head group. The structural data presented will aid in the design of SPHK1 and SPHK2 inhibitors with improved properties.