Definition:

Specifically dephosphorylates sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), dihydro-S1P, and phyto-S1P. Does not act on ceramide 1-phosphate, lysophosphatidic acid or phosphatidic acid. Sphingosine-1-phosphate phosphatase activity is needed for efficient recycling of sphingosine into the sphingolipid synthesis pathway. Regulates the intracellular levels of the bioactive sphingolipid metabolite S1P that regulates diverse biological processes acting both as an extracellular receptor ligand or as an intracellular second messenger. Involved in efficient ceramide synthesis from exogenous sphingoid bases. Converts S1P to sphingosine, which is readily metabolized to ceramide via ceramide synthase. In concert with sphingosine kinase 2 (SphK2), recycles sphingosine into ceramide through a phosphorylation/dephosphorylation cycle (By similarity). Regulates endoplasmic-to-Golgi trafficking of ceramides, resulting in the regulation of ceramide levels in the endoplasmic reticulum, preferentially long-chain ceramide species, and influences the anterograde membrane transport of both ceramide and proteins from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus. The modulation of intracellular ceramide levels in turn regulates apoptosis (By similarity). Via S1P levels, modulates resting tone, intracellular Ca(2+) and myogenic vasoconstriction in resistance arteries. Also involved in unfolded protein response (UPR) and ER stress-induced autophagy via regulation of intracellular S1P levels. Involved in the regulation of epidermal homeostasis and keratinocyte differentiation (By similarity).