These are the key building blocks that are directly incorporated or used in the ceramide synthesis pathway:
1. Amino Acids:
Serine: The primary amino acid used in the first step of sphingoid base synthesis
2. Fatty Acids:
Palmitic acid (C16:0): A key starting point for sphingoid base synthesis
Stearic acid (C18:0)
Lignoceric acid (C24:0)
Nervonic acid (C24:1)
Cerotic acid (C26:0)
3. Sphingoid Bases:
Sphingosine
Dihydrosphingosine (sphinganine)
Phytosphingosine
4. Cofactors and Enzymes:
Coenzyme A (CoA): Essential for fatty acid activation
NADPH: Used in reduction steps of sphingoid base synthesis
Serine palmitoyltransferase: The enzyme catalyzing the first step of sphingolipid synthesis
5. Vitamins and Minerals (as enzyme cofactors):
Vitamin B3 (Niacin): Precursor to NADPH
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid): Precursor to Coenzyme A
Zinc: Cofactor for various enzymes in lipid metabolism
6. Cholesterol:
While not directly incorporated into ceramides, cholesterol is essential for proper ceramide function in the skin barrier
These precursors are preferentially used because they directly align with the structure and synthesis pathway of ceramides. The body has specific enzymes and pathways optimized for using these particular molecules in ceramide production.
