Lass5 Proteins

Protein Information

The LASS (longevity assurance homolog) family members represent a subgroup of the homeobox gene family and are highly conserved from yeasts to mammals. Six members of this family of proteins have been characterized (LASS1-6) and all are involved in ceramide synthesis during cell growth regulation and cancer differentiation. LASS5, also called Trh4, is a 392 amino acid endoplasmic reticulum, multi-pass membrane protein. Functioning as a dihydro-ceramide synthase, LASS5 is involved in the production of sphingolipids containing mainly one fatty acid donor (N-linked palmitoyl-ceramide) in a fumonisin B1-independent manner. It uses palmitoyl-CoA as an acyl donor and is involved in the synthesis of C14, C16 and C18-ceramide. LASS5 is the most abundantly expressed and predominant ceramide synthase isoform in lung epithelia. Recent studies show that LASS5 partially correct growth and apoptosis.

Synonyms

2310081H14Rik; AU045339; AW544927; Ceramide synthase 5; CerS5; LAG1 homolog, ceramide synthase 5; LAG1 longevity assurance homolog 5; LASS5; longevity assurance homolog 5; Sphingosine N-acyltransferase CERS5; TRAM homolog 4; translocating chain-associating membrane protein homolog 4; Trh4