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Glycosylation, the most common post-translational modification for proteins, serves diverse functions. Adding sugars to proteins makes the proteins more resistant to proteolytic digestion. Glycosylated proteins can act as markers and receptors to promote cell-cell adhesion. Additionally, they have many essential quality control functions in the cell, such as correct protein folding and facilitating transport of misfolded proteins to the cytosol, which can be degraded.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Ganglioside Extraction, Purification and Profiling

Ganglioside Extraction, Purification and Profiling

Published on: March 12, 2021

Glycosphingolipids--nature, function, and pharmacological modulation.

Tom Wennekes¹, Richard J B H N van den Berg, Rolf G Boot

¹Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Gorlaeus Laboratories, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, Leiden, The Netherlands.

Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)

|October 29, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Glycosphingolipids, discovered by Thudichum, are crucial for cell membranes and signaling. Research highlights their role in diseases like diabetes and sphingolipidoses, focusing on glucosylceramide metabolism.

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Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Glycosphingolipid Antigens

Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Glycosphingolipid Antigens

Published on: April 16, 2013

Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Cell Biology
Human Physiology

Background:

Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) were first identified by Johan L. W. Thudichum in 1884.
GSLs are integral components of cell membranes, involved in recognition and signaling.
Dysregulation of GSL metabolism is implicated in human diseases, including sphingolipidoses and type 2 diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent findings on glycosphingolipid biosynthesis, function, and degradation in humans.
To focus on the glycosphingolipid glucosylceramide.
To highlight the clinical relevance of targeting GSL metabolism.

Main Methods:

Literature review of recent scientific findings.
Focus on biochemical pathways of GSL metabolism.
Analysis of clinical relevance of therapeutic interventions.

Main Results:

Recent studies elucidate the complex roles of GSLs in cellular processes.
Glucosylceramide (GlcCer) is a key GSL with significant implications in disease.
Interfering with GSL metabolism shows therapeutic potential for related disorders.

Conclusions:

Glycosphingolipids play vital roles in cell structure and function.
Aberrant GSL metabolism contributes to various human pathologies.
Targeting GSL metabolic pathways offers promising therapeutic strategies.