CERS3

CERS3 encodes ceramide synthase 3, a key enzyme in sphingolipid biosynthesis primarily expressed in skin and testes. It catalyzes the formation of ultra-long-chain ceramides, critical for maintaining the skin’s permeability barrier and sperm maturation. Common aliases include LASS3.
CERS3 functions in the endoplasmic reticulum, regulating ceramide chain length to support lipid bilayer integrity. Mutations cause ichthyosis, impairing skin barrier function. While no direct drugs target CERS3, its pathway is explored for dermatological therapies aiming to restore barrier lipids.