CerS3 synthesizes C24-ceramides and ceramides with longer acyl chains, and is found mainly in skin and testis.[5] Specifically, CerS3 synthesizes ceramides containing α-hydroxy (2-hydroxy) fatty acids, which are abundant in skin tissue, where they help maintain the water permeability barrier qualities of the skin.[6] It is found in large quantities in keratinocytes, and this increases during keratinocyte differentiation.[7]
In the testes, CerS3 is involved in sperm formation and androgen production.[5] Cers3 gene expression is located within germ cells, where it is massively upregulated during juvenile testicular maturation. This upregulation is correlated with increase in levels of glycosphingolipids containing very long chain (C26-C32) polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA), which are required for spermatogenesis.[8]
