This product is a glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor, an enzyme that is essential for the synthesis of a very large number of different glycolipids that are found in many organisms.1 PDMP has four possible isomers due to its two chiral centers (D-threo, L-threo, D-erythro, and L-erythro). The D-threo isomer has been shown to be the active glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor.2 Due to PDMP’s ability to inhibit the joining of ceramides with carbohydrates there can be an accumulation of ceramide in the cells and this can lead to apoptosis. This process has been suggested as a treatment for cancer.3 In addition to its stereochemistry, the acyl chain of PDMP has a very marked effect on the intensity of the inhibitory action of the molecule.
