The impact of ceramide signaling on vacuolar function and autophagy was studied.
Isc1p (sphingomyelinase) deficiency impairs vacuolar structure and functions.
The isc1Δ cells exhibit defective vesicular trafficking and autophagy.
These phenotypes are mediated by the ceramide-activated protein phosphatase Sit4p.
Downregulation of TORC1–Sch9p signaling also suppresses isc1Δ phenotypes.