Gangliosides are acidic glycosphingolipids that form lipid rafts in the outer leaflet of the cell plasma membrane, especially in neuronal cells in the central nervous system. They participate in cellular proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, signal transduction, cell-to-cell interactions, tumorigenesis and metastasis. The accumulation of gangliosides has been linked to several diseases. Ganglioside GM2 is a very minor component of the nervous system, but it is accumulated in brains from Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff disease patients, due to genetic defect of lysosomal beta-hexosaminidase.
Solubility:Soluble in H2O (liposomal aggregates) or chloroform: methanol (2:1).
Molecular Weight:~1383.7, 23.0 (calculated on sphingosine C18:1 and stearic acid)
Storage and Stability:Lyophilized powder may be stored at -20°C. Stable for 12 months after receipt at -20°C. Reconstitute with sterile buffer or ddH2O. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20°C. Reconstituted product is stable for 6 months at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.
