STAT3 mediates C6-ceramide-induced cell death in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

The pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is poorly understood and it remains incurable with current therapies. We have previously shown that nanoliposomal C6-ceramide (CNL) is an effective therapy in an murine model of CLL. However, the key signaling pathways mediating CNL-induced cell death in CLL remains unknown.

C6-ceramide nanoliposomes target the Warburg effect in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Ceramide is a sphingolipid metabolite that induces cancer cell death. When C6-ceramide is encapsulated in a nanoliposome bilayer formulation, cell death is selectively induced in tumor models. However, the mechanism underlying this selectivity is unknown.

The therapeutic potential of nanoscale sphingolipid technologies.

Nanotechnologies, while small in size, widen the scope of drug delivery options for compounds with problematic pharmacokinetics, such as bioactive sphingolipids. We describe the development of historical sphingolipid nanotechnologies, such as nanoliposomes, and project future uses for a broad repertoire of nanoscale sphingolipid therapy formulations. In particular, we describe sphingo-nanotherapies for treatment of cancer, inflammatory disease, and cardiovascular disease.