Application Notes:
PPMP inhibits glucosylceramide synthesis by blocking the enzyme glucosylceramide synthase. PPMP has activity equivalent
to that of the similar inhibitor PDMP when cell homogenates and brain liver microsomes are used, but it is about 20 times
more potent when used with intact cells because it is taken up by cells much more effectively than PDMP.1 It has been
suggested that an accumulation of glucosylceramide may cause multidrug-resistance in tumor cells and that PPMP may be
useful in reversing or preventing multidrug-resistance by blocking the synthesis of glucosylceramides.2 It has recently been
found that malaria parasite reproduction can be blocked by PPMP, demonstrating a requirement for glycosilation of ceramide
for growth in this organism and a new potential approach for malarial therapy.3 This high purity, stereospecific product is
ideal for glycosilation studies in vitro and in vivo.
References:
1. N. Radin et al. “Improved inhibitors of glucosylceramide synthase” Journal of Biochemistry, vol. 111(2) pp. 191-196, 1992
2. P. Xie et al. “Overexpression of glucosylceramide synthase in associated with multidrug resistance of leukemia cells” Leukemia Research, vol.
32(3) pp. 475-480, 2008
3. A. Couto et al. “Glycosphingolipids in Plasmodium falciparum. Presence of an active glucosylceramide synthase” European Journal of
Biochemistry, vol. 271(11) pp. 2204-2214, 2004