SPHK2

SPHK2 is the second mammalian sphingosine kinase and differs from SPHK1 by its larger size and an extended N-terminal region containing a nuclear localization signal and a BH3-like motif. It resides in the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, and the S1P it makes acts locally: nuclear S1P binds and inhibits histone deacetylases to influence gene transcription, while mitochondrial S1P supports respiratory function and protects against apoptosis in certain settings. Depending on context SPHK2 can be pro- or anti-apoptotic. It also supplies S1P for vascular maturation and is a target of the dual inhibitor ABC294640.