About the structure and biological function of GT2
Structure. GT2 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 six 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. Little is known about the function of GT2 gangliosides in vertebrates but modified GT2 lipids have been associated with tumors. This represents an attractive target for immunotherapeutic approaches using specific GT2 antibodies. They also serve as the direct precursors of the more complex GT1 gangliosides. Further, GT2 gangliosides have been shown to interact with the tetanus toxin facilitating entry of the toxin into the cell.
