Synthesis of o-linked glycoconjugates in the nervous system.

Abstract

Glycoproteins carrying O-linked N-acetylgalactosamine, N-acetylgluco-samine, mannose, fucose, glucose, and xylose are found in the nervous system. Lipids can be glycosylated as well. Membrane lipid, ceramide, is modified by the addition of either glucose or galactose to form glycosphingolipid, galactosylceramide, or glucosylceramide. Recent analyses have identified glucosylated lipids of cholesterol and phosphatidic acid. These O-linked carbohydrate residues are found primarily on the outer surface of the plasma membrane or in the extracellular space. Their expression is cell or tissue specific and developmentally regulated. Due to their structural diversity, they play important roles in a variety of biological processes such as membrane transport and cell-cell interactions.