Research has shown that fumonisins can disrupt cellular processes and lead to carcinogenesis. The primary mechanism involves the inhibition of ceramide synthase, an enzyme critical for the synthesis of sphingolipids. This inhibition can cause an accumulation of sphinganine and sphingosine, which are cytotoxic and can induce apoptosis. Moreover, the disruption of sphingolipid metabolism is linked to several types of cancers, particularly those affecting the esophagus and liver.
