General description

Sphinogmyelin, a sphingolipid consisting of a phospholipid (typically phosphocholine) attached to a ceramide moiety, is a major component of cellular membranes. Sphingomylein is enriched in the exoplasmic leaflet of the cell membrane. Within the cell membrane, sphingomyelin interacts with cholesterol to form lipid rafts. The metabolism of sphingomyelin contributes to cellular signaling via the release of ceramide, a second messenger that participates in multiple cellular signaling pathways. Sphingomyelin accumulates in Niemann-Pick disease due to deficiencies in sphingomyelinase activity.

Principle

Sphingomyelin is determined by a coupled enzyme assay, in which the hydrolysis of sphingomyelin by sphingomyelinase produces phosphocholine, which results in a fluorescent product (λ_ex =540/λ_em = 590 nm) proportional to the Sphingomyelin present.

Suitability

This kit is suitable for the detection of sphingomyelin in a variety of samples such as blood and cell extracts.