Phosphosphingolipids

Phosphosphingolipids are important lipids that function as cellular messengers, enzyme activators, and more. Sphingomyelin is found in mammalian cell membranes, especially in the membranes of the myelin sheath and is the most abundant sphingolipid in mammals. An improper ratio of sphingomyelin to ceramide has been shown to be a factor in Niemann-Pick disease and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.