Specificity
This antibody recognises sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase, also known as ASM, Sphingomyelin Phosphodiesterase, ASMASE and NPD. It is a lipid hydrolase that converts sphingomyelin to the bioactive messenger ceramide, and is activated by a number of molecules including TNF-alpha and LPS. Mutations in the SMPD1 gene resulting in deficient ASM production cause Niemann-Pick disease, one type of which causes lethality within three years of life (Schuchman 2007). SMPD1 mutations have also been implicated in sporadic Parkinson's disease. A role of ASM on mood regulation has been suggested, with high ASM expression implicated in major depressive episodes.