Cell surface ceramide controls translocation of transferrin receptor to clathrin-coated pits

► Binding of transferrin to the receptor induces generation of cell surface ceramide. ► Down regulation of acid sphingomyelinase disturbs transferrin uptake and recycling. ► Lack of ceramide facilitates translocation of transferrin receptor to rafts. ► Ceramide favors uptake of transferrin receptor by clathrin-depended pathway.