Abstract
Glycosphingolipids (GSL) are localized mainly on cell surfaces, their biosynthesis and degradation take place in different intracellular organelles. Therefore, a stringent control of GSL metabolism and intracellular transport is required for the maintenance of a balanced GSL pattern in individual cells. The current knowledge of ganglioside biosynthesis and their intracellular traffic has been derived almost exclusively from metabolic studies. Whereas ganglioside biosynthesis starts on the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and continues on the Golgi membranes, catabolism occurs after endocytosis in the lysosomal compartment. Like formation of glycoproteins, biosynthesis of GSL is presumably accompanied by an intracellular vesicle-bound membrane flow of the growing molecules from the ER through the Golgi cisternae to the plasma membrane. The involvement of glycolipid binding and/or transfer proteins in the transport of GSL can, however, not be excluded at the present.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
