Apoptosis is a complex process involving many different molecules that eventually leads to the programmed death of a cell. Ceramides are believed to function as a second messenger in this process; however, the full involvement of ceramides is under investigation. We are investigating a connection between airborne particulate matter and neurodegenerative processes, including cell death. The primary mission of our research is to better understand how ceramide levels change during apoptosis induced by exposure to diesel exhaust particulate matter (DEP). To track the changing levels of ceramides we performed total lipid extractions on our cell cultures at various timepoints after exposure to DEP. As we gain more understanding on this role of ceramides in apoptosis, we hope to make connections between Alzheimer’s disease and incorrectly functioning ceramide signaling networks. Our current results have indicated a change in ceramide levels during apoptosis at a long timepoint and we continue to work to understand how the ceramide signaling route works.Support or Funding InformationResearch reported in this publication was supported by grant number P20GM103443.