ceramide

Definition / meaning of ceramide

One of a number of a class of sphingolipids, N-acyl derivatives with long chains. Ceramide is the core molecule for the synthesis of sphingomyelin, an essential lipid for myelination and neurotransmission; it may function as a second messenger to stimulate differentiation, inhibit proliferation, and induce apoptosis.

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Source(s):

The Web site of the National Cancer Institute (http://www.cancer.gov/)

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