MOLECULE

Sphinganine

Sphinganine, also known as D18:0 or safingol, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as 1,2-aminoalcohols. These are organic compounds containing an alkyl chain with an amine group bound to the C1 atom and an alcohol group bound to the C2 atom. Thus, sphinganine is considered to be a sphingoid base lipid molecule. Sphinganine is a very hydrophobic molecule, practically insoluble (in water), and relatively neutral. Sphinganine exists in all living species, ranging from bacteria to humans. Within humans, sphinganine participates in a number of enzymatic reactions. In particular, sphinganine can be converted into 3-dehydrosphinganine; which is mediated by the enzyme 3-ketodihydrosphingosine reductase. In addition, sphinganine can be converted into sphinganine 1-phosphate; which is catalyzed by the enzyme sphingosine kinase 2. In humans, sphinganine is involved in the metabolic disorder called the fabry disease pathway. Outside of the human body, Sphinganine has been detected, but not quantified in, several different foods, such as beech nuts, docks, citrus, watercress, and brazil nuts. This could make sphinganine a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. A Sphinganine having (2S,3R)-configuration. Sphinganine is expected to be in Cannabis as all living plants are known to produce and metabolize it.