About the structure and biological function of GalSph
Structure. Galactosylsphingosines (galactosyl-sphing-4-enines, psychosines, or GalSph) belong to the group of sphingoid bases within the sphingolipids. Their structure consists of an amino alcohol with a monounsaturated hydrocarbon chain linked to a galactose molecule.
Function. Galactosylsphingosines are enriched in sensory neurons of the skin and can cause itching by activating specific receptors. They accumulate in Krabbe disease, a genetic lysosomal storage disorder which results in degeneration of oligodendrocytes. GalSph have been linked to lysosomal membrane permeabilization and thus lysosome-dependent cell death and further to stimulation of the immune system as well as bone resorption.
