Role of Sphingosine Kinase in the Expression of Adhesion Molecules on Monocytes Induced by Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (Relevant to Atherosclerosis)

TNFα stimulates SPHK in the monocyte, which leads to the expression of adhesion molecules on the cell surface. The adhesion of leukocytes to the endothelium is one of the early stages of the onset of atherosclerosis. In this paper, we have delineated the TNFα-induced and SPHK-dependent signaling pathway. In addition, we have developed a biomathematical model to qualify the SPHK time-dependent activity at a specific site in the cell upon TNFα stimulation. Thus, this study provides a biochemical and mechanistic approaches to the understanding of leukocyte-endothelial attachment, so that measures could be designed to minimize the onset of atherosclerosis.