About the structure and biological function of GalCer
Structure. Galactosylceramides (GalCer) belong to the group of cerebrosides within the sphingolipids. Their structure consists of a ceramide backbone linked to a galactose molecule. The ceramide backbone contains two hydrocarbon chains: a long-chain base which is linked to a fatty acid via an amide bond. The fatty acid and the long-chain base can be of variable length, hydroxylated, and contain double bonds.
Function. Galactosylceramides are important structural components of membranes, particularly in the central nervous system where they maintain the stability of myelin, the membrane stack that insulates the axons of neurons. GalCer is also the precursor to sulfatide. Further, galactosylceramides can act as immunomodulators and are believed to function as receptor for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
