Shingosine Kinase 2 (Sphk2) Knock Out Mouse for Neurobiology and Immunology Research

This technology includes a knockout mouse model for Sphingosine kinase 2 (Sphk2) to be used in neurobiology and immunology research studies. Sphingosine kinase 1 and 2 are enzymes that produce sphingosine-1-phosphate, a potent bioactive compound that activates a family of G-protein coupled receptors known as Edg or S1P receptors. Triggering these receptors on cells may have important effects related to inflammation, immunity, cancer, angiogenesis, cell proliferation, adhesion, cardiovascular function, nervous system function and injury responses. Sphingosine kinase also activates FTY710, an immunosuppressive drug. Mice have been produced with a deleted gene for sphingosine kinase 2 (sphingosine kinase 2 knockout mice), which will be valuable in determining the functions of sphingosine phosphate and the Edg/S1P receptors. These mice also will be useful for the study of FTY720 and related compounds.