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Sphingolipids as receptor modulators. An overview
1Division of Neuropathology, College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA. ayates@pop.service.ohio-state.edu
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|July 21, 1998
Summary
Glycosphingolipids, crucial cell surface molecules, act as receptors for microbes and toxins. They also regulate various cell signaling pathways by interacting with growth factor and other receptors.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Glycosphingolipids are amphipathic molecules located in the plasma membrane.
- Their extracellular oligosaccharide chains are positioned for interaction with external ligands and receptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of glycosphingolipids in mediating cellular interactions and signal transduction.
- To explore how specific glycosphingolipids function as receptors and modulate receptor activity.
Main Methods:
- Binding studies were conducted to identify specific ligand-glycolipid interactions.
- Modulation of receptor activity by various glycosphingolipids was assessed.
Main Results:
- Specific glycolipids serve as receptors for microorganisms and bacterial toxins.
- Gangliosides modulate tyrosine kinase receptors, including EGFR, FGFR, PDGFR, and TrkA.
- GM1 enhances nerve growth factor signaling, while various gangliosides inhibit insulin receptor activity.
- GM1 also modulates beta(1)-adrenergic and delta-opioid receptors.
Conclusions:
- Glycosphingolipids play a significant role in mediating cellular recognition and communication.
- These molecules act as critical coordinators of multiple receptor functions, influencing diverse signaling pathways.