Abstract: Compositions, methods of use, isolation and biosynthesis of diimino-piperazine derivatives useful for the modification of sphingolipid metabolism and other biological functions are described. The preferred derivative is 2,6-bis-(&ohgr;-aminobutyl)-3,5-diimino-piperazine. This is a naturally occurring biochemical compound isolated from cells. The diimino-piperazine derivatives are useful as therapeutic agents when administered to patients to treat diseases and disorders involving cell regulation.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of altering the metabolism of sphingolipids in a cell comprising contacting the cell with a fumonisin, or an analog thereof. The invention also provides a method of detecting the consumption of a fumonisin or a fumonisin analog in a subject comprising (A) detecting, in a sample from the subject, the state of the metabolic pathway of sphingolipids and (B) comparing the state of the metabolic pathway to that of a normal subject, the presence of a change in the state of the metabolic pathway indicating the consumption of a fumonisin or a fumonisin analog. Also provided is a method of detecting the presence of a fumonisin or fumonisin analog contamination in a sample from a food or feed comprising detecting a reaction of the metabolic pathway of sphingolipids, the presence of the reaction indicating the presence of a fumonisin or fumonisin analog contamination. Furthermore, novel fumonisin analogs and compositions comprising fumonisins and fumonisin analogs are provided.

Abstract: Derivatives of sphingolipids of the formula: are provided wherein the substituents are as defined in the specification and wherein there is at least one R2 substituent in the sphingolipid derivative. The compounds are useful in the treatment of of abnormal cell proliferation, including benign and malignant tumors, the promotion of cell differentiation, the induction of apoptosis, the inhibition of protein kinase C, and the treatment of inflammatory conditions, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease as well as proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the course of development of plaques in vascular tissue. The invention also includes a method for triggering the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria that includes administering an effective amount of a sphingolipid or its derivative or prodrug to a host in need thereof.

Abstract: Compositions, methods of use, isolation and biosynthesis of diimino-piperazine derivatives useful for the modification of sphingolipid metabolism and other biological functions are described. The preferred derivative is 2,6-bis-(&ohgr;-aminobutyl)-3,5-diimino-piperazine. This is a naturally occurring biochemical compound isolated from cells. The diimino-piperazine derivatives are useful as therapeutic agents when administered to patients to treat diseases and disorders involving cell regulation.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of altering the metabolism of sphingolipids in a cell comprising contacting the cell with a fumonisin, or an analog thereof. The invention also provides a method of detecting the consumption of a fumonisin or a fumonisin analog in a subject comprising (A) detecting, in a sample from the subject, the state of the metabolic pathway of sphingolipids and (B) comparing the state of the metabolic pathway to that of a normal subject, the presence of a change in the state of the metabolic pathway indicating the consumption of a fumonisin or a fumonisin analog. Also provided is a method of detecting the presence of a fumonisin or fumonisin analog contamination in a sample from a food or feed comprising detecting a reaction of the metabolic pathway of sphingolipids, the presence of the reaction indicating the presence of a fumonisin or fumonisin analog contamination. Furthermore, novel fumonisin analogs and compositions comprising fumonisins and fumonisin analogs are provided.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of altering the metabolism of sphingolipids in a cell comprising contacting the cell with a fumonisin, or an analog thereof. The invention also provides a method of detecting the consumption of a fumonisin or a fumonisin analog in a subject comprising (A) detecting, in a sample from the subject, the state of the metabolic pathway of sphingolipids and (B) comparing the state of the metabolic pathway to that of a normal subject, the presence of a change in the state of the metabolic pathway indicating the consumption of a fumonisin or a fumonisin analog. Also provided is a method of detecting the presence of a fumonisin or fumonisin analog contamination in a sample from a food or feed comprising detecting a reaction of the metabolic pathway of sphingolipids, the presence of the reaction indicating the presence of a fumonisin or fumonisin analog contamination. Furthermore, novel fumonisin analogs and compositions comprising fumonisins and fumonisin analogs are provided.

Abstract: A method and composition for enhancing biological response modifiers, such as promoting cellular differentiation, by using a Vitamin A or an analog thereof and sphingosine or an analog thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of altering the metabolism of sphingolipids in a cell comprising contacting the cell with a fumonisin, or an analog thereof. The invention also provides a method of detecting the consumption of a fumonisin or a fumonisin analog in a subject comprising (A) detecting, in a sample from the subject, the state of the metabolic pathway of sphingolipids and (B) comparing the state of the metabolic pathway to that of a normal subject, the presence of a change in the state of the metabolic pathway indicating the consumption of a fumonisin or a fumonisin analog. Also provided is a method of detecting the presence of a fumonisin or fumonisin analog contamination in a sample from a food or feed comprising detecting a reaction of the metabolic pathway of sphingolipids, the presence of the reaction indicating the presence of a fumonisin or fumonisin analog contamination. Furthermore, novel fumonisin analogs and compositions comprising fumonisins and fumonisin analogs are provided.

Abstract: A method and composition for enhancing the action of biological response modifiers, such as promoting cellular differentiation, by using Vitamin A or an analog thereof and sphingosine or an analog thereof.