Comparative analysis of Imatinib sensitive and resistant K562 CML cells revealed enhanced S1P generation and reduced ceramide levels as a consequence of SPHK1 upregulation compared to parental Imatinib sensitive K562 cells15, suggesting a potential role for SPHK1 in Imatinib resistance. This evidence concerns the gene SPHK1 and chronic myelogenous leukemia, BCR-ABL1 positive.