Ganglioside GM3 and its biological functions

Abstract

Metabolism, topology, and possible mechanisms for regulation of the ganglioside GM3 content in the cell are reviewed. Under consideration are biological functions of GM3, such as involvement in cell differentiation, proliferation, oncogenesis, and apoptosis.

Fabrication of GM3‐Enriched Sphingomyelin/Cholesterol Solid‐Supported Lipid Membranes on Au/SiO2 Plasmonic Substrates

“…Other experimental findings [11] indicate that the ganglioside GM3 blocks the cells proliferation induced by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and by the ganglioside GD1a, and it is also able to inhibit the linking between the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) and the integrin a 5 b 1 necessary for the migration of the endothelial cells [12]. Data on the ability of GM3 to inhibit the growth of tumor cells and tumor development as well as to increase symptom-free survival of mice grafted with human brain tumors are impressive [reviewed in 13]. Exogenous GM3 enrichment may suppress proliferation of many cancer cell lines [14][15][16], as well as inhibit mobility and angiogenesis of endothelial cells [13].…”

“…Data on the ability of GM3 to inhibit the growth of tumor cells and tumor development as well as to increase symptom-free survival of mice grafted with human brain tumors are impressive [reviewed in 13]. Exogenous GM3 enrichment may suppress proliferation of many cancer cell lines [14][15][16], as well as inhibit mobility and angiogenesis of endothelial cells [13]. Overall, these effects must be referred to the supposed property of GM3 to inhibit macromolecular complexes of growth factor receptors, beta-integrins, kinases, and the transmembrane protein caveolin-1 acting as a scaffolding protein on aggregation of growth factor receptors.…”

The small-molecule BGP-15 protects against heart failure and atrial fibrillation in mice

“…In the present study, we assessed membrane fluidity by measuring levels of the G M3 ganglioside (GM3) via lipidomics analysis in mouse atrial samples. Gangliosides are glycosphingolipids, which are abundant in plasma membranes, and increased levels have been implicated in metabolic diseases 36 . GM3 is the main ganglioside in the majority of mammalian cells and is abundant in both the rodent and human heart (representing Z50% of all gangliosides) 36,37 .…”

“…Gangliosides are glycosphingolipids, which are abundant in plasma membranes, and increased levels have been implicated in metabolic diseases 36 . GM3 is the main ganglioside in the majority of mammalian cells and is abundant in both the rodent and human heart (representing Z50% of all gangliosides) 36,37 . Levels of ceramide(16:0), a precursor in the synthesis of GM3, were elevated in atria of the HF þ AF model compared with Ntg and this was accompanied by an increase in GM3(16:0) (Fig.…”

The Missing Link - Likely Pathogenetic Role of GM3 and Other Gangliosides in the Development of Diabetic Nephropathy

“…Highest levels are found in the cerebral cortex, liver, spleen, placenta, thyroid gland, kidneys and skeletal muscles. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) colorimetric analysis defined the GM3 a dominant ganglioside in kidney tissue, where it comprises three quarters of total gangliosides present in the kidney [29]. Significant body of evidence emphasizes negative modulation effects of GM3 on insulin-mediated signaling pathways, at the same time highlighting its potential role in the development of type II diabetes [30,31].…”