Role of sphingolipids in hematological malignancies: Myeloproliferative disorders

From an historical point of view, hematological malignancies have been instrumental for the discovery of the first link between sphingolipids and their bioactive role in apoptosis and differentiation. Ever since, hematological malignancies have represented a powerful model to discover and dissect sphingolipid-related functions in the context of cell proliferation, differentiation, autophagy, immunological responses and neoplastic transformation. Moreover, more recent studies have also translated the discoveries carried out in cell culture to clinically relevant models of patient samples and/or in vivo animal models. In the present chapter, we provide a comprehensive discussion of the roles and functions of sphingolipids and sphingolipid-metabolizing enzymes in leukemias of myeloid origins. The discussion will cover the molecular mechanisms at the basis of sphingolipid actions and the therapeutic applications of such discoveries.