Modulation of ceramide metabolism in mouse primary macrophages

► NBD-ceramide-based assays to monitor ceramide metabolism and compare ceramide kinase, glucosylceramide synthase and sphingomyelin synthase activities. ► Analysis of ceramide metabolism enzyme activities during macrophage homeostasis (elicitated/resident, macrophage/monocyte, innate activation, classical activation, alternative activation, de-activation by glucocorticoids). ► Identification of “ceramide anabolic switching”: ceramide kinase and glucosylceramide synthase appear to be regulated in opposite directions.