Ganglioside G_D3: structure, cellular distribution, and possible function

Insight on the function of gangliosides. can emerge from knowledge of their cellular distribution. In this paper we review the structure of ganglioside G_D3 and recent information on its cellular distribution. G_D3 appears to be enriched in a variety of neural cell types including: reactive glia, gliomas, undifferentiated neurons, Muller glia, and oligodendroglia. Because each of these cell types share an enhanced permeability to ions and metabolites or possess properties associated with enhanced permeability, we suggest that G_D3 is associated with enhanced membrane permeability. A possible function for G_D3 in membrane permeability has implications for other cellular events such as metabolism, growth and interactions.