The present invention includes methods for treatment and prophylaxis of conditions associated with lactosylceramide. The methods generally provide for administration to a mammal, particularly a human, of a therapeutically effective amount of a compound that increases enzymatic activity of UDPGal:GlcCer.beta.1.fwdarw.4 galactosylceramide (GalT-2). In vitro and in vivo assays for detecting compounds with therapeutic capacity to modulate GalT-2 are also provided.
Novel prodrugs of amino ceramide-like compounds are provided which inhibit glucosyl ceramide (GlcCer) formation by inhibiting the enzyme GlcCer synthase, thereby lowering the level of glycosphingolipids. The compounds of the present invention have improved GlcCer synthase inhibition activity and are therefore highly useful in therapeutic methods for treating various conditions and diseases associated with altered glycosphingolipid levels.
The present invention provides amino ceramide-like compounds which inhibit glucosyl ceramide (GlyCer) formation by inhibiting the enzyme GlyCer synthase, thereby lowering the level of glycosphingolipids. The compounds of the present invention have improved GlcCer synthase inhibition activity and are therefore useful in therapeutic methods for treating various conditions and diseases associated with altered glycosphingolipid levels.
