Application Notes:
This product is a glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor, an enzyme that is essential for the synthesis of a very large number of
different glycolipids that are found in many organisms.1 PDMP has four possible isomers due to its two chiral centers (D-threo,
L-threo, D-erythro, and L-erythro). The D-threo isomer has been shown to be the active glucosylceramide synthase
inhibitor.2 Due to PDMP’s ability to inhibit the joining of ceramides with carbohydrates there can be an accumulation of
ceramide in the cells and this can lead to apoptosis. This process has been suggested as a treatment for cancer.3 In addition to
its stereochemistry, the acyl chain of PDMP has a very marked effect on the intensity of the inhibitory action of the molecule.
References:
1. R. Vunnam, N. Radin, “Analogs of ceramide that inhibit glucocerebroside synthetase in mouse brain” Chem Phys Lipids, Vol. 26(3) pp. 265-278, 1980
2. N. Radin et al. “Effects of D-threo-PDMP, an inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthetase, on expression of cell surface glycolipid antigen and binding to
adhesive proteins by B16 melanoma cells” Journal of Cellular Physiology, Vol. 141(3) pp. 573-583, 1989
3. N. Radin, et al., “Structural and stereochemical studies of potent inhibitors of glucosylceramide synthase and tumor cell growth” Journal of Lipid
Research, Vol. 36 pp. 611-621, 1995