Not available outside of the UK & Ireland.

Application

Sphingomyelinase has been used in a study to investigate skeletal manifestations in pediatric and adult patients with Niemann Pick disease.

Sphingomyelinase from Bacillus cereus has been used:in the measurement of membrane capacitance in brain slicesfor testing and confirming its silkworm-killing activityin enzyme activity assay and for elucidating its effect on hydrolysis of sphingomyelin in complex lipid mixtures

Biochem/physiol Actions

Initiates the formation of sphingomyelin-based second messengers. Activates MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) and SAPKs (stress-activated protein kinases); generates ceramide from sphingomyelin.

General description

Sphingomyelinase from Bacillus cereus (Bc-Smase) is a Mg²⁺-containing metalloenzyme. Bacillus cereus sphingomyelinase induces hemolysis of sheep erythrocytes.

Sphingomyelinase modulates adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-independent endocytosis of fibroblast and large vesicles of macrophages. Sphingomyelinase causes hemolysis of human erythrocytes. It is also a potent virulence factor leading to invasive diseases.

Packaging

10, 50 units in serum bottle

Physical form

Lyophilized powder containing potassium phosphate buffer salts and stabilizer.

Unit Definition

One unit will hydrolyze 1.0 µmole of TNPAL-sphingomyelin per min at pH 7.4 at 37 °C.