About the structure and biological function of GlcSph
Structure. Glucosylsphingosines (glucosyl-sphing-4-enines, glucosphingosines, lyso-Gb1, or GlcSph) 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 glucose molecule.
Function. The biological role of glucosylsphingosines has been mostly associated with Gaucher disease, a rare genetic disorder and lysosomal storage disease during which GlcSph accumulates among other sphingolipids. Further, they have been associated with tumor progression in melanoma and glusosylsphingosines are also associated with activating an itch-scratch response pathway in atopic dermatitis.
