Abstract: A compound of formula (I) wherein R1 is a straight chain, branched or cyclic aliphatic, aromatic or heterocyclyl group comprising at least 8 carbon atoms, e.g. 8 to 22, R2 is a straight chain, branched or cyclic aliphatic, aromatic or heterocyclic group comprising from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and ring A is heterocycyl, fused with the phenyl ring to which ring A is attached comprising 5 or 6 ring members, and 1 to 4 heteroatoms selected from N, S, O; wherein certain compounds are excluded by proviso and the use of such compounds without proviso as pharmaceuticals in disorders which are mediated by ceramide kinase.

Abstract: An isolated polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO:1, an isolated polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:2, e.g. encoded by a polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO:1, a vector comprising such polynucleotide, an expression system, comprising such polynucleotide, a host cell comprising such expression system, the use of a such polypeptide or polynucleotide as a diagnostic reagent, screening assays and methods for identifying an agonist or an antagonist of a ceramide kinase by use of such polypeptide or polynucleotide and an agonist or an antagonist of a ceramide kinase obtained by such screening and their use.

Abstract: A ceramide kinase like protein encoded by a polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 1 to SEQ ID NO: 9 and its use.