This gene encodes a ceramide synthase enzyme, which catalyzes the synthesis of ceramide, the hydrophobic moiety of sphingolipids. The encoded enzyme synthesizes 18-carbon (C18) ceramide in brain neurons. Mice lacking a functional copy of this gene exhibit impaired cerebellar development, locomotion and motor coordination. This protein is transcribed from a bicistronic mRNA, which also encodes growth differentiation factor 1.
