Compositions, methods of use, isolation and biosynthesis of diimino-piperazine derivatives useful for the modification of sphingolipid metabolism and other biological functions are described. The preferred derivative is 2,6-bis-(.omega.-aminobutyl)-3,5-diimino-piperazine. This is a naturally occurring biochemical compound isolated from cells. The diimino-piperazine derivatives are useful as therapeutic agents when administered to patients to treat diseases and disorders involving cell regulation.

As composições, os métodos do uso, a isolação e o biosynthesis dos derivatives do diimino-diimino-piperazine úteis para a modificação do metabolism do sphingolipid e outras funções biológicas são descritos. O derivative preferido é 2,6-bis-(.omega.-aminobutyl)-3,5-diimino-piperazine. Este é um composto biochemical natural isolado das pilhas. Os derivatives do diimino-diimino-piperazine são úteis como agentes therapeutic quando administrados aos pacientes para tratar as doenças e os disorders que envolvem o regulamento da pilha.