L-threo-PPMP

PPMP inhibits glucosylceramide synthesis by blocking the enzyme glucosylceramide synthase. PPMP has activity equivalent to that of the similar inhibitor PDMP when cell homogenates and brain liver microsomes are used, but it is about 20 times more potent when used with intact cells because it is taken up by cells much more effectively than PDMP.1 It has been suggested that an accumulation of glucosylceramide may cause multidrug-resistance in tumor cells and that PPMP may be useful in reversing or preventing multidrug-resistance by blocking the synthesis of glucosylceramides.2 It has recently been found that malaria parasite reproduction can be blocked by PPMP, demonstrating a requirement for glycosilation of ceramide for growth in this organism and a new potential approach for malarial therapy.3 This high purity, stereospecific product is ideal for glycosilation studies in vitro and in vivo.