ganglioside GM2 binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding to ganglioside GM2. [GO_REF:0000067, GOC:TermGenie, PMID:1454804]

Ganglioside GM2 binding refers to the molecular interaction between a protein and the glycosphingolipid ganglioside GM2. This interaction is crucial for a variety of cellular processes, including cell signaling, cell adhesion, and neuronal development. The binding of GM2 to a protein can trigger a cascade of events, leading to the activation of downstream signaling pathways or the recruitment of other proteins to the cell membrane. GM2 is a complex molecule with a unique structure that consists of a ceramide backbone, a galactose sugar residue, and a N-acetylneuraminic acid (sialic acid) residue. The binding of GM2 to a protein is typically mediated by the sialic acid residue, which interacts with the protein through hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions. Proteins that bind GM2 include the following: 1) Hexosaminidase A, a lysosomal enzyme responsible for the degradation of GM2. Mutations in the gene encoding hexosaminidase A lead to Tay-Sachs disease, a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by an accumulation of GM2 in the brain. 2) The GM2 activator protein, a chaperone protein that facilitates the degradation of GM2 by hexosaminidase A. 3) The GM2 receptor, a transmembrane protein that plays a role in the trafficking of GM2 to the lysosomes for degradation. 4) Synaptic adhesion molecules, such as the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), which bind to GM2 and mediate neuronal cell adhesion and synapse formation. In addition to its role in neuronal development and function, GM2 binding has also been implicated in other cellular processes, such as immune cell activation and tumor cell growth. Further research is needed to elucidate the full range of cellular functions mediated by GM2 binding.'
"

Proteins (1)

Compounds (1)