About the structure and biological function of GT3
Structure. GT3 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. 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 GT3 gangliosides in vertebrates but they are elevated in the human retina where they are suggested to play a specific role in the structure and function of the tissue. They also serve as precursors of more complex gangliosides. Modified GT3 gangliosides have been associated with tumors, representing an attractive target for immunotherapeutic approaches using GT3 ganglioside antibodies. Further, GT3 levels are reduced in Alzheimer disease models.
