About the structure and biological function of GT1
Structure. GT1 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 seven sugar molecules. Three 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. GT1 gangliosides belong to the major gangliosides of the mammal brain. Within the cell membrane of the axons of neurons, GT1 lipids bind to the myelin-associated glycoprotein, a membrane protein of the innermost myelin membrane wrap. This interaction maintains and regulates axon-myelin stability. Further, GT1 gangliosides act as the receptor for the tetanus toxin and further neurotoxins.
