Lipid raft dynamics regulate signaling for multiple cellular functions, such as apoptosis, proliferation, and differentiation. They reside in the plasma membrane and comprise sphingolipids, cholesterol, and certain proteins. C6-NBD ceramide is a fluorescent probe taken up by cells and converted to C6-NBD sphingomyelin. Thus it may be used to monitor the biosynthesis and degradation of sphingomyelin in lipid rafts, Golgi, and other cellular systems.
