Description_x000D_ General description_x000D_ Sphingomyelinase from Bacillus cereus (Bc-Smase) is a Mg2+-containing metalloenzyme. Bacillus cereus sphingomyelinase induces hemolysis of sheep erythrocytes._x000D_ Sphingomyelinase modulates adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-independent endocytosis of fibroblast and large vesicles of macrophages. Sphingomyelinase causes hemolysis of human erythrocytes. It is also a potent virulence factor leading to invasive diseases._x000D_ Application_x000D_ Sphingomyelinase from Bacillus cereus has been used:_x000D_ • in the measurement of membrane capacitance in brain slices_x000D_ • for testing and confirming its silkworm-killing activity_x000D_ • in enzyme activity assay and for elucidating its effect on hydrolysis of sphingomyelin in complex lipid mixtures_x000D_ Sphingomyelinase has been used in a study to investigate skeletal manifestations in pediatric and adult patients with Niemann Pick disease._x000D_ Packaging_x000D_ 10, 50 units in serum bottle_x000D_ Biochem/physiol Actions_x000D_ Initiates the formation of sphingomyelin-based second messengers. Activates MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) and SAPKs (stress-activated protein kinases); generates ceramide from sphingomyelin._x000D_ Unit Definition_x000D_ One unit will hydrolyze 1.0 μmole of TNPAL-sphingomyelin per min at pH 7.4 at 37 °C._x000D_ Physical form_x000D_ Lyophilized powder containing potassium phosphate buffer salts and stabilizer.