Ceramide synthase 1

Ceramide synthase that catalyzes the transfer of the acyl chain from acyl-CoA to a sphingoid base, with high selectivity toward stearoyl-CoA (octadecanoyl-CoA; C18:0-CoA). N-acylates sphinganine and sphingosine bases to form dihydroceramides and ceramides in de novo synthesis and salvage pathways, respectively. Plays a predominant role in skeletal muscle in regulating C18 ceramide and dihydroceramide levels with an impact on whole-body glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Protects from diet-induced obesity by suppressing the uptake of glucose in multiple organs in a FGF21-dependent way (By similarity). Generates C18 ceramides in the brain, playing a critical role in cerebellar development and Purkinje cell function (By similarity). In response to cellular stress mediates mitophagy, a known defense mechanism against cell transformation and aging. Upon mitochondria fission, generates C18 ceramides that anchor lipidated MAP1LC3B/LC3B-II autophagolysosomes to outer mitochondrial membranes to eliminate damaged mitochondria.