Piper sarmentosum Roxb. Inhibits Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Activity in Phorbol 12-Myristate-13-Acetate-Induced Endothelial Cells.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Piper sarmentosum Roxb., an herb known for its antihypertensive effect, lacks a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism underlying its antihypertensive action. This study aimed to elucidate the antihypertensive mechanism of aqueous extract of P. sarmentosum leaves (AEPS) via its modulation of the ACE pathway in phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs were divided into five groups: control, treatment with 200 µg/mL AEPS, induction 200 nM PMA, concomitant treatment with 200 nM PMA and 200 µg/mL AEPS, and treatment with 200 nM PMA and 0.06 µM captopril. Subsequently, ACE mRNA expression, protein level and activity, angiotensin II (Ang II) levels, and angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) mRNA expression in HUVECs were determined. AEPS successfully inhibited ACE mRNA expression, protein and activity, and angiotensin II levels in PMA-induced HUVECs. Additionally, AT1R expression was downregulated, whereas AT2R expression was upregulated. In conclusion, AEPS reduces the levels of ACE mRNA, protein and activity, Ang II, and AT1R expression in PMA-induced HUVECs. Thus, AEPS has the potential to be developed as an ACE inhibitor in the future.

Influence of the penetration enhancer isopropyl myristate on stratum corneum lipid model membranes revealed by neutron diffraction and 2H NMR experiments.

The stratum corneum (SC) provides the main barrier properties in native skin. The barrier function is attributed to the intercellular lipids, forming continuous multilamellar membranes. In this study, SC lipid membranes in model ratios were enriched with deuterated lipids in order to investigate structural and dynamical properties by neutron diffraction and 2H solid-state NMR spectroscopy. Further, the effect of the penetration enhancer isopropyl myristate (IPM) on the structure of a well-known SC lipid model membrane containing synthetically derived methyl-branched ceramide [EOS], ceramide [AP], behenic acid and cholesterol (23/10/33/33wt%) was investigated. IPM supported the formation of a single short-periodicity phase (SPP), in which we determined the molecular organization of CER[AP] and CER[EOS]-br for the first time. Furthermore, the thermotropic phase behavior of the lipid system was analyzed by additional neutron diffraction studies as well as by 2H solid-state NMR spectroscopy, covering temperatures of 32°C (physiological skin temperature), 50°C, and 70°C with a subsequent cooldown back to skin temperature. Both techniques revealed a phase transition and a hysteresis effect. During the cooldown, Bragg peaks corresponding to a long-periodicity phase (LPP) appeared. Additionally, 2H NMR revealed that the IPM molecules are isotopic mobile at all temperatures.

Vehicle effects on human stratum corneum absorption and skin penetration.

This study evaluated the effects of three vehicles-ethanol (EtOH), isopropyl alcohol (IPA), and isopropyl myristate (IPM)-on stratum corneum (SC) absorption and diffusion of the [14C]-model compounds benzoic acid and butenafine hydrochloride to better understand the transport pathways of chemicals passing through and resident in SC. Following application of topical formulations to human dermatomed skin for 30 min, penetration flux was observed for 24 h post dosing, using an in vitro flow-through skin diffusion system. Skin absorption and penetration was compared to the chemical-SC (intact, delipidized, or SC lipid film) binding levels. A significant vehicle effect was observed for chemical skin penetration and SC absorption. IPA resulted in the greatest levels of intact SC/SC lipid absorption, skin penetration, and total skin absorption/penetration of benzoic acid, followed by IPM and EtOH, respectively. For intact SC absorption and total skin absorption/penetration of butenafine, the vehicle that demonstrated the highest level of sorption/penetration was EtOH, followed by IPA and IPM, respectively. The percent doses of butenafine that were absorbed in SC lipid film and penetrated through skin in 24 h were greatest for IPA, followed by EtOH and IPM, respectively. The vehicle effect was consistent between intact SC absorption and total chemical skin absorption and penetration, as well as SC lipid absorption and chemical penetration through skin, suggesting intercellular transport as a main pathway of skin penetration for model chemicals. These results suggest the potential to predict vehicle effects on skin permeability with simple SC absorption assays. As decontamination was applied 30 min after chemical exposure, significant vehicle effects on chemical SC partitioning and percutaneous penetration also suggest that skin decontamination efficiency is vehicle dependent, and an effective decontamination method should act on chemical solutes in the lipid domain.

A cascade screening approach for the identification of Bcr-Abl myristate pocket binders active against wild type and T315I mutant.

The major clinical challenge in drug-resistant chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is currently represented by the Bcr-Abl T315I mutant, which is unresponsive to treatment with common first and second generation ATP-competitive tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Allosteric inhibition of Bcr-Abl represent a new frontier in the fight against resistant leukemia and few candidates have been identified in the last few years. Among these, myristate pocket (MP) binders discovered by Novartis (e.g. GNF2/5) showed promising results, although they proved to be active against the T315I mutant only in combination with first and second generation ATP-competitive inhibitors. Here we used a cascade screening approach based on sequential fluorescence polarization (FP) screening, in silico docking/dynamics studies and kinetic-enzymatic studies to identify novel MP binders. A pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine derivative (6) has been identified as a promising allosteric inhibitor active on 32D leukemia cell lines (expressing Bcr-Abl WT and T315I) with no need of combination with any ATP-competitive inhibitor.

Transfollicular enhancement of methyl myristate loaded in cationic niosomes incorporated in hair lotion.

Hair lotion containing methyl myristate loaded in cationic niosomes (HL-MMnio) composed of Brij72/cholesterol/DDAB at 7:3:0.65 molar ratio was developed. The remaining percentages of MM loaded in cationic niosomes in hair lotion were higher than free MM in hair lotion of about 1.2 times. The cumulative amounts in porcine skin and the receiver compartment of MM loaded in cationic niosomes incorporated in hair lotion were higher than those of free MM in hair lotion of 1.45 and 1.32 times, respectively. HL-MMnio showed very slightly irritation on rabbit skin, which was disappeared after 4 d. For melanogenesis induction in C57BL/6 mice with aged-induced grey body coat hairs, the highest pigmentation scores of HL-MMnio applied on the dorsal area were observed after 21 days, while hair lotion containing the free MM indicated after 35 days. This study has suggested that HL-MMnio was the high potential formulation for canities treatment.

Blockade of lysosomal acid ceramidase induces GluN2B-dependent Tau phosphorylation in rat hippocampal slices.

The lysosomal acid ceramidase, an enzyme known to limit intracellular ceramide accumulation, has been reported to be defective in neurodegenerative disorders. We show here that rat hippocampal slices, preincubated with the acid ceramidase inhibitor (ACI) d-NMAPPD, exhibit increased N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) in CA1 synapses. The ACI by itself did not interfere with either paired pulse facilitation or alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA) receptor-mediated fEPSPs, indicating that its influence on synaptic transmission is postsynaptic in origin and specific to the NMDA subtype of glutamate receptors. From a biochemical perspective, we observed that Tau phosphorylation at the Ser262 epitope was highly increased in hippocampal slices preincubated with the ACI, an effect totally prevented by the global NMDA receptor antagonist D/L(-)-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (AP-5), the calcium chelator 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA), and the GluN2B (but not the GluN2A) receptor antagonist RO25-6981. On the other hand, preincubation of hippocampal slices with the compound KN-62, an inhibitor known to interfere with calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), totally abolished the effect of ACI on Tau phosphorylation at Ser262 epitopes. Collectively, these results provide experimental evidence that ceramides play an important role in regulating Tau phosphorylation in the hippocampus via a mechanism dependent on GluN2B receptor subunits and CaMKII activation.

Role of Protein Kinase C in Metabolic Regulation of Coronary Endothelial Small Conductance Calcium-Activated Potassium Channels.

BACKGROUND: Small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channels are largely responsible for endothelium-dependent coronary arteriolar relaxation. Endothelial SK channels are downregulated by the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), which is increased in the setting of diabetes, yet the mechanisms of these changes are unclear. PKC (protein kinase C) is an important mediator of diabetes-induced coronary endothelial dysfunction. Thus, we aimed to determine whether NADH signaling downregulates endothelial SK channel function via PKC. METHODS AND RESULTS: SK channel currents of human coronary artery endothelial cells were measured by whole cell patch clamp method in the presence/absence of NADH, PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, PKC inhibitors, or endothelial PKCα/PKCß knockdown by using small interfering RNA. Human coronary arteriolar reactivity in response to the selective SK activator NS309 was measured by vessel myography in the presence of NADH and PKCß inhibitor LY333531. NADH (30-300 µmol/L) or PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (30-300 nmol/L) reduced endothelial SK current density, whereas the selective PKCᵦ inhibitor LY333531 significantly reversed the NADH-induced SK channel inhibition. PKCß small interfering RNA, but not PKCα small interfering RNA, significantly prevented the NADH- and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced SK inhibition. Incubation of human coronary artery endothelial cells with NADH significantly increased endothelial PKC activity and PKCß expression and activation. Treating vessels with NADH decreased coronary arteriolar relaxation in response to the selective SK activator NS309, and this inhibitive effect was blocked by coadministration with PKCß inhibitor LY333531. CONCLUSIONS: NADH-induced inhibition of endothelial SK channel function is mediated via PKCß. These findings may provide insight into novel therapeutic strategies to preserve coronary microvascular function in patients with metabolic syndrome and coronary disease.

Effect of vehicles on the maximum transepidermal flux of similar size phenolic compounds.

PURPOSE: In principle, maximum transepidermal fluxes of solutes should be similar for different vehicles, except when the solute or vehicle modifies the skin. Here we estimated maximum flux, stratum corneum solubility, diffusivity and permeability coefficient for a range of similarly sized phenolic compounds with varying lipophilicity from polar and lipophilic vehicles. METHODS: Maximum flux and other skin transport parameters through human epidermis were obtained from lipophilic vehicles (mineral oil (MO) and isopropyl myristate (IPM)) and compared with values from water and propylene glycol (PG)-water solutions. Solvent uptake and changes in stratum corneum infrared spectroscopy and multiphoton microscopy imaging were also investigated. RESULTS: Maximum fluxes for MO and water were similar but IPM has a higher value for more polar phenols due to a higher diffusivity and PG-water had a higher flux due to higher solubility in the stratum corneum. Whereas maximum flux for various phenols was directly related to solubility in the stratum corneum independent of vehicle, increasing phenol lipophilicity increased and decreased permeability coefficient for aqueous solvents and lipophilic solvents, respectively. CONCLUSION: The maximum fluxes for phenols with a similar molecular size and varying lipophilicity were comparable between water and MO vehicles but higher for IPM and PG-water mixtures.

Study of the influence of the penetration enhancer isopropyl myristate on the nanostructure of stratum corneum lipid model membranes using neutron diffraction and deuterium labelling.

In order to elucidate the mode of action of the lipophilic penetration enhancer isopropyl myristate (IPM) on a molecular scale, we investigated oriented quaternary stratum corneum (SC) lipid model membranes based on ceramide AP, cholesterol, palmitic acid and cholesterol sulfate containing 10 wt% IPM by means of neutron diffraction. Our results indicate that IPM affects the lamellar lipid assembly in terms of bilayer perturbation and disordering. Phase segregation occurred, indicating that IPM is not likely to mix properly with the other SC lipids due to its branched structure. We used selective deuterium labelling to localize the penetration enhancer, and could successfully prove the presence of IPM in the two coexisting lamellar phases. We conclude that IPM's mode of action as penetration promoter is presumably based on incorporation into the SC lipid matrix, extraction of certain SC lipids into a separate phase and perturbation of the multilamellar lipid assembly.

Preparation and evaluation of andrographolide-loaded microemulsion.

Andrographolide has a low aqueous solubility and oral bioavailability, which limits its clinical application. Reform the dosage forms of andrographolide to improve its aqueous solubility and oral bioavailability. The formulation, characterisation, stability, anti-inflammatory effect, pharmacokinetics and oral toxicity of andrographolide-loaded microemulsion, were studied. An formulation of O/W microemulsion consisting of an oil phase of isopropyl myristate, a surfactant phase of Tween 80, a co-surfactant of alcohol, and water was found to be ideal, with mean droplet size of 15.9 nm, a high capacity of solubilisation for andrographolide (8.02 mg mL(-1)). Such an andrographolide-loaded microemulsion is stable by monitoring the time, temperature and gravity-dependent change, and has a much better anti-inflammatory effect and a higher biological availability than andrographolide tablets. Besides, it also shows a very low acute oral toxicity. The andrographolide-loaded microemulsion is a promising dosage form of andrographolide.

The sphingosine-1-phosphate derivative NHOBTD inhibits angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) plays an important role in angiogenesis by stimulating DNA synthesis, chemotactic motility, and early blood vessel formation. Accordingly, the S1P signaling pathway is an attractive target for novel anti-angiogenic therapeutics. Here, we describe a small synthetic derivative of S1P that acts as an anti-angiogenic agent. We found that the S1P derivative NHOBTD [N-((2S,3R)-3-hydroxy-1-morpholino-4-(3-octylphenyl)butan-2-yl)tetradecanamide] suppressed S1P-induced invasion and tube formation by human umbilical vein endothelial cells. NHOBTD also suppressed S1P signaling, as seen by destabilization of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) and secretion of VEGF, a transcriptional target of HIF-1α. Moreover, NHOBTD profoundly blocked endogenous neovascularization of the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane, without rupturing any existing vessels. Together, these results demonstrate that NHOBTD is a new anti-angiogenic molecule that is capable of perturbing S1P signaling, and provides the basis for developing new anti-angiogenic drugs.

Novel dithranol phospholipid microemulsion for topical application: development, characterization and percutaneous absorption studies.

The objective of this study was to develop and characterize a novel dithranol-containing phospholipid microemulsion systems for enhanced skin permeation and retention. Based on the solubility of dithranol, the selected oils were isopropyl myristate (IPM) and tocopherol acetate (TA), and the surfactants were Tween 80 (T80) and Tween 20 (T20). The ratios of cosurfactants comprising of phospholipids and ethanol (1 : 10) and surfactant to co-surfactant (1 : 1 and 2.75 : 1) were fixed for the phase diagram construction. Selected microemulsions were evaluated for globule size, zeta potential, viscosity, refractive index, per cent transmittance, stability (freeze thaw and centrifugation), ex vivo skin permeation and retention. The microemulsion systems composed of IPM and T80 with mean particle diameter of 72.8 nm showed maximum skin permeation (82.23%), skin permeation flux (0.281 mg/cm²/h) along with skin retention (8.31%) vis-à-vis systems containing TA and T20. The results suggest that the developed novel lecithinized microemulsion systems have a promising potential for the improved topical delivery of dithranol.

[In vitro efficacy of three novel delousing formulations against the head louse (Pediculus capitis L.)]. / Ucinnost trí nových odvsivovacích prípravku na ves detskou (Pediculus capitis L.) v in vitro testech--krátké sdelení.

A total of 498 head lice (2nd and 3rd instar larvae, females and males) combed out of the hair of 38 children, were exposed to the delousing formulations Diffusil H Forte Spray (carbaryl 1%), Diffusil Care (isopropyl myristate, cyclomethicone, and dimethiconol) and Paranit (coconut oil, anise oil, and ylang ylang oil) in in vitro tests. The first two formulations, i. e. Diffusil H Forte Spray and Diffusil Care, caused 100% mortality of exposed lice, while Paranit only killed 12.2% of exposed lice.

Acid ceramidase upregulation in prostate cancer cells confers resistance to radiation: AC inhibition, a potential radiosensitizer.

Radiation resistance in a subset of prostate tumors remains a challenge to prostate cancer radiotherapy. The current study on the effects of radiation on prostate cancer cells reveals that radiation programs an unpredicted resistance mechanism by upregulating acid ceramidase (AC). Irradiated cells demonstrated limited changes of ceramide levels while elevating levels of sphingosine and sphingosine-1-phosphate. By genetically downregulating AC with small interfering RNA (siRNA), we observed radiosensitization of cells using clonogenic and cytotoxicity assays. Conversely, AC overexpression further decreased sensitivity to radiation. We also observed that radiation-induced AC upregulation was sufficient to create cross-resistance to chemotherapy as demonstrated by decreased sensitivity to Taxol and C(6) ceramide compared to controls. Lower levels of caspase 3/7 activity were detected in cells pretreated with radiation, also indicating increased resistance. Finally, utilization of the small molecule AC inhibitor, LCL385, sensitized PPC-1 cells to radiation and significantly decreased tumor xenograft growth. These data suggest a new mechanism of cancer cell resistance to radiation, through upregulation of AC that is, in part, mediated by application of the therapy itself. An improved understanding of radiotherapy and the application of combination therapy achieved in this study offer new opportunities for the modulation of radiation effects in the treatment of cancer.

The effect of component of microemulsion for transdermal delivery of nicardipine hydrochloride.

PURPOSE: Nicardipine hydrochloride has been used widely for the treatment of angina pectoris and hypertension. Because of its extensive first pass metabolism after oral administration, the transdermal administration of nicardipine microemulsions was developed in this study. METHODS: Microemulsions consisted of isopropyl myristate (IPM), surfactant mixture of Tween 80/Span 80 and/or Tween 80/Span 20, co-surfactant (ethanol) and aqueous phase. Pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were constructed using water titration method. The effect of component of microemulsion on the percutaneous absorption of drug was evaluated by in vitro permeation study. RESULTS: The area of microemulsion isotropic region in the presence of ethanol was comparably larger in the absence of ethanol. The mean droplet size of nicardipine microemulsions ranged from 70 to 123 nm. With addition of ethanol, the droplet size became smaller. The permeation rate and extent of nicardipine microemulsion transport across rat skin was affected by the components of microemulsion. Nicardipine microemulsion had higher flux at surfactant mixture with lower hyrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) value and Tween content. CONCLUSIONS: The microemulsion consisted of 52% IPM, 35% surfactant mixture and 13% water had higher permeation rate through rat skin above 122.53 ± 1.87 µg/cm2/h and was expected to develop a transdermal delivery system.

Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system to improve transcorneal permeability of voriconazole: in-vivo studies.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the effectiveness of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) in improving voriconazole transcorneal permeability. METHODS: Voriconazole-SNEDDS was prepared with isopropyl myristate, PEG 400, Tween 80® and Span 80® and was subjected for physicochemical characterization after reconstitution with NaCl 0.9% (1/9; v/v). In-vitro antifungal activity was assessed and compared with the marketed formulation. In-vivo studies, namely ocular irritation test via modified Draize test and pharmacokinetic study, were investigated using rabbit as animal model. KEY FINDINGS: Voriconazole-SNEDDS presented a droplet size of 21.353 ± 0.065 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.123 ± 0.003, a pH of 7.205 ± 0.006 and an osmolarity of 342.667 ± 2.517 mOsmol/l after reconstitution with NaCl 0.9%. Voriconazole-SNEDDS minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC90 ) was similar to the one of marketed formulation for Candida species while it was significantly lower (P < 0.001) for Aspergillus fumigatus. Draize test revealed that Voriconazole-SNEDDS was safe for ocular administration. Voriconazole maximum concentration (5.577 ± 0.852 µg/ml) from SNEDDS was higher than marketed formulation (Cmax  = 4.307 ± 0.623 µg/ml), and the Tmax was delayed to 2 h. The area under the concentration-time curve value of Voriconazole-SNEDDS was improved by 2.419-fold. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that SNEDDS is a promising carrier for voriconazole ocular delivery and this encourages further clinical studies.

Antagonism of human adiponectin receptors and their membrane progesterone receptor paralogs by TNFalpha and a ceramidase inhibitor.

The progestin and AdipoQ receptor (PAQR) family of proteins comprises three distinct structural classes, each with seemingly different agonist specificities. For example, Class I receptors, like the human adiponectin receptors (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2), sense proteins with a particular three-dimensional fold, while Class II receptors are nonclassical membrane receptors for the steroid hormone progesterone. Using a previously developed heterologous expression system to study PAQR receptor activity, we demonstrate that human PAQRs from all three classes are antagonized by both 1(S),2(R)-d-erythro-2-(N-myristoylamino)-1-phenyl-1-propanol, a ceramidase inhibitor, and TNFalpha, a homologue of adiponectin that functions antagonistically to both adiponectin and progesterone in human cells.

seco-Abietane diterpenoids, a phenylethanoid derivative, and antitubercular constituents from Callicarpa pilosissima.

Six new compounds, including five new seco-abietane diterpenoids, 12-deoxy-seco-hinokiol methyl ester (1), 12-deoxy-11,12-dihydro-seco-hinokiol methyl ester (2), callicarpic acid A (3), 9alpha-hydroxycallicarpic acid A (4), and callicarpic acid B (5), and a new phenylethanoid derivative, 4-hydroxyphenethyl tetradecanoate (6), have been isolated from the leaves and twigs of Callicarpa pilosissima, together with 14 known compounds (7-20). The structures of these new compounds were determined through analyses of physical data. 12-Deoxy-11,12-dihydro-seco-hinokiol methyl ester (2), callicarpic acid B (5), and alpha-tocopherol trimer B (15) exhibit antitubercular activities (MICs

Novel analogs of D-e-MAPP and B13. Part 1: synthesis and evaluation as potential anticancer agents.

A series of novel isosteric analogs of the ceramidase inhibitors, (1S,2R)-N-myristoylamino-phenylpropanol-1 (d-e-MAPP) and (1R,2R)-N-myristoylamino-4'-nitro-phenylpropandiol-1,3 (B13), with modified targeting and physicochemical properties were designed, synthesized, and evaluated as potential anticancer agents. When MCF7 cells were treated with the analogs, results indicated that the new analogs were of equal or greater potency compared to the parent compounds. Their activity was predominantly defined by the nature of the modification of the N-acyl hydrophobic interfaces: N-acyl analogs (class A), urea analogs (class B), N-alkyl analogs (class C, lysosomotropic agents), and omega-cationic-N-acyl analogs (class D, mitochondriotropic agents). The most potent compounds belonged to either class D, the aromatic ceramidoids, or to class C, the aromatic N-alkylaminoalcohols. Representative analogs selected from this study were also evaluated by the National Cancer Institute In Vitro Anticancer Drug Discovery Screen. Again, results showed a similar class-dependent activity. In general, the active analogs were non-selectively broad spectrum and had promising activity against all cancer cell lines. However, some active analogs of the d-e-MAPP family were selective against different types of cancer. Compounds LCL85, LCL120, LCL385, LCL284, and LCL204 were identified to be promising lead compounds for therapeutic development.

Novel analogs of D-e-MAPP and B13. Part 2: signature effects on bioactive sphingolipids.

Novel isosteric analogs of the ceramidase inhibitors (1S,2R)-N-myristoylamino-phenylpropanol-1 (d-e-MAPP) and (1R,2R)-N-myristoylamino-4'-nitro-phenylpropandiol-1,3 (B13) with modified targeting and physicochemical properties were developed and evaluated for their effects on endogenous bioactive sphingolipids: ceramide, sphingosine, and sphingosine 1-phosphate (Cer, Sph, and S1P) in MCF7 cells as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Time- and dose-response studies on the effects of these compounds on Cer species and Sph levels, combined with structure-activity relationship (SAR) data, revealed 4 distinct classes of analogs which were predominantly defined by modifications of the N-acyl-hydrophobic interfaces: N-acyl-analogs (class A), urea-analogs (class B), N-alkyl-analogs (class C), and omega-cationic-N-acyl analogs (class D). Signature patterns recognized for two of the classes correspond to the cellular compartment of action of the new analogs, with class D acting as mitochondriotropic agents and class C compounds acting as lysosomotropic agents. The neutral agents, classes A and B, do not have this compartmental preference. Moreover, we observed a close correlation between the selective increase of C(16)-, C(14)-, and C(18)-Cers and inhibitory effects on MCF7 cell growth. The results are discussed in the context of compartmentally targeted regulators of Sph, Cer species, and S1P in cancer cell death, emphasizing the role of C(16)-Cer. These novel analogs should be useful in cell-based studies as specific regulators of Cer-Sph-S1P inter-metabolism, in vitro enzymatic studies, and for therapeutic development.