DNA damage induces down-regulation of UDP-glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase, increases ceramide levels and triggers apoptosis in p53-deficient cancer cells

► DNA damaging agents induce both p53-dependent and -independent apoptotic cascades. ► In the absence of p53, DNA damage increases ceramide levels and down-regulates UGCG expression. ► The ability of UGCG to regulate ceramide was confirmed by over-expression and siRNA experiments. ► Inhibition of UGCG sensitizes cancer cells to treatment with a DNA damaging agent.