Ceramide kinase, a lipid-metabolizing enzyme, is involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease by regulating the levels of extracellular dopamine.

Dopamine (DA) is a critical neurotransmitter which modulates motor functions, learning and motivation. Abnormal DA signaling is related to neuronal diseases such as schizophrenia (SZ) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The symptoms of SZ are classified as hyperDAergic positive symptoms and hypoDAergic negative symptoms. PD is a common progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss and degradation of DAergic neurons. Current drugs poorly treat both diseases.