Dihydroceramide Desaturase 1 (DES1) (二氢神经酰胺去饱和酶 1)

Dihydroceramide Desaturase 1 (DES1) is mainly located in the endoplasmic reticulum, and catalyzes the conversion of dihydroceramide to ceramide through introduction of a 4,5-trans double bond. Dihydroceramide Desaturase 1 promotes the ceramide synthesis and sphingolipid metabolism, induces the cell apoptosis and autophagy, and regulates endoplasmic reticulum stress. Dihydroceramide Desaturase 1 dysfunction could cause ceramide abnormal accumulation, thereby affecting insulin signaling, leading to insulin resistance and fatty liver. Dihydroceramide Desaturase 1 also causes cancer or some neurological disorders^[1].