Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor subtype 1 (S1P) activity in the course of Alzheimer's disease.

Some specific lipid molecules in the brain act as signaling molecules, neurotransmitters, or neuromodulators, by binding to specific G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) for neurolipids. One such receptor, sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor subtype 1 (S1P), is coupled to G proteins and is involved in cell proliferation, growth, and neuroprotection. S1P constitutes an interesting target for neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease (AD), in which changes in the sphingolipid metabolism have been observed.