About the structure and biological function of HexCer
Structure: Hexosylceramides (mono-hexosylceramides, monoglycosylceramides, or HexCer) belong to the group of cerebrosides within the sphingolipids. Their structure consists of a ceramide backbone linked to a neutral sugar 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: Many hexosylceramides serve as key precursors for the biosynthesis of dihexosylceramides and thus for more complex glycosphingolipids such as globosides and gangliosides. Yet, they are vital to cell function, for example as structural components of cell membranes and lipid rafts. Hexosylceramides are critical to structure, function, and long-term stability of myelin, as well as for axonal growth of neurons. Further, some hexosylceramides are essential for preventing trans-epidermal water loss.
