About the structure and biological function of GD2
Structure. GD2 ganglioside lipids belong to the group of gangliosides within the sphingolipids. Their structure consists of a ceramide backbone linked to an oligosaccharide unit made of five sugar molecules. Two of them are sialic acid. 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. GD2 gangliosides have been linked to many cancers. While only present in trace amounts in normal tissues, GD2 lipids are found at much higher concentrations in cancer cells, especially in melanomas and neuroblastomas. They are considered tumor-associated antigens and the enzyme GD2 synthase is investigated as potential drug target. In neuroblastoma, a GD2 antibody has been approved for treatment in combination with other drugs but they also serve as circulating biomarkers.
