Ceramides and glucosylceramides are independent antagonists of insulin signaling

Abstract

Background: Both ceramides and glucosylceramides have been implicated in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. Results: These two classes of sphingolipids modulate insulin action but differ by both tissue specificity and mechanism of action. Conclusion: Ceramides and glucosylceramides are independent and separable antagonists of insulin signaling. Significance: These observations will contribute to our understanding of how sphingolipids contribute to obesity-related metabolic diseases. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.