Potential Role of Sphingosine-1-Phosphate and Its Receptors in the Reparative Processes of the Adult Brain

This review highlights the main aspects of the involvement of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) metabolism in the reparative processes of the adult brain, including neurogenesis, oligodendrogenesis and angiogenesis, which are necessary for the normal functioning of the central nervous system. Neurogenesis is a complex, multifactorial, and multi-stage process of formation of neurons and neuroglial cells from neural stem cells. Neurotrophic factors, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF), play a special role in the regulation of neurogenesis. The fine regulation of neurogenesis, which occurs at all its stages, includes the molecular mechanisms of cellular signaling mediated by S1P and its receptors. In particular, S1P and its receptors affect adult neurogenesis at multiple stages: activation of S1P receptors induces neuroblast proliferation, migration, and morphological changes. Special attention is paid to the interaction of S1P and its receptors with the cellular environment (astrocytes, endothelial cells, and ependyma) of the neurogenic niche and the relationship between S1P metabolism and the expression of neurotrophins, which suggests a key role of S1P in regulating the environment of the neurogenic niche.