Sphingolipid metabolism II. The biosynthesis of 3‐keto‐dihydrosphingosine by a partially‐purified enzyme from rat brain

Abstract

Abstract A condensation reaction between serine and palmitoyl CoA by a partially‐purified enzyme from rat brain is described. The product of the reaction, 3‐keto‐dihydrosphingosine is characterized by the conversion to several derivatives. The addition of EDTA to the incubation mixture results in inhibition of the conversion of serine to phospholipid, with the result that 3‐keto‐dihydro‐sphingosine is the sole product.