Information on EC 2.3.1.297 - very-long-chain ceramide synthase

This entry describes ceramide synthase enzymes that are specific for very-long-chain fatty acyl-CoA substrates. The two isoforms from yeast and the plant LOH1 and LOH3 isoforms transfer 24:0 and 26:0 acyl chains preferentially and use phytosphingosine as the preferred sphingoid base. The mammalian CERS2 isoform is specific for acyl donors of 20-26 carbons, which can be saturated or unsaturated. The mammalian CERS3 isoform catalyses this activity, but has a broader substrate range and also catalyses the activity of EC 2.3.1.298, ultra-long-chain ceramide synthase. Both mammalian enzymes can use multiple sphingoid bases, including sphinganine, sphingosine, and phytosphingosine.