ENPP-7/Alk-SMase Products

ENPP-7 (ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 7), also known as alkaline sphingomyelinase (alk-SMase) is a 60 kDa GPI-linked membrane glycoprotein expressed in the intestines and in human bile. It shares 30% - 36% homology with the NPP family, but is unrelated to neutral or acid SMase. ENPP-7 hydrolyzes dietary sphingomyelin to form ceramide and phosphorylcholine, and may also hydrolyze and inactivate platelet-activating factor (PAF). It is downregulated in some human colorectal carcinomas.