SMPDL3A

Sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase acid-like 3A (SMPDL3A) is a recently identified phosphodiesterase, which is a secreted N-linked glycoprotein. SMPDL3A is highly homologous to acid sphingomyelinase (aSMase), but unlike aSMase cannot cleave sphingomyelin. Rather, SMPDL3A hydrolyzes nucleotide tri- and diphosphates their derivatives. While recent structural studies have shed light on these unexpected substrate preferences, many other aspects of SMPDL3A biology, which may give insight into its function in vivo, remain obscure.