Glycosphingolipids: synthesis and functions

Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) comprise a heterogeneous group of membrane lipids formed by a ceramide backbone covalently linked to a glycan moiety. Hundreds of different glycans can be linked to tens of different ceramide molecules, giving rise to an astonishing variety of structurally different compoun...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The FEBS journal 2013-12, Vol.280 (24), p.6338-6353
Main Authors: D'Angelo, Giovanni, Capasso, Serena, Sticco, Lucia, Russo, Domenico
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
Biosynthesis
Cell Communication
Cellular biology
glycocode
glycosphingolipids
golgi complex
sphingolipids
Glycosphingolipids - chemical synthesis
Glycosphingolipids - metabolism
Humans
Lipids
Proteins
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Summary:Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) comprise a heterogeneous group of membrane lipids formed by a ceramide backbone covalently linked to a glycan moiety. Hundreds of different glycans can be linked to tens of different ceramide molecules, giving rise to an astonishing variety of structurally different compounds, each of which has the potential for a specific biological function. GSLs have been suggested to modulate membrane‐protein function and to contribute to cell–cell communication. Although GSLs are dispensable for cellular life, they are indeed collectively required for the development of multicellular organisms, and are thus considered to be key molecules in ‘cell sociology’. Consequently, the GSL make‐up of individual cells is highly dynamic and is strictly linked to the cellular developmental and environmental state. In the present review, we discuss some of the available knowledge, open questions and future perspectives relating to the study of GSL biology. Glycosphingolipids are membrane lipids formed by a ceramide backbone covalently linked to a glycan moiety. Hundreds of different glycans can be linked to tens of different ceramide molecules, giving rise to an astonishing variety of structurally different compounds, each of which has the potential for a specific biological function. Here, we discuss open questions, and future perspectives in GSL biology.
ISSN:1742-464X
1742-4658
DOI:10.1111/febs.12559