Analysis for the Structure and Function of Gangliosides

Abstract

Isolation methods and analytical procedures for gangliosides have been continuously improved. Gangliosides from samples of small sizes such as plasma membrane fractions can be determined using these methods. Newly isolated gangliosides are often subjected to sophisticated measurements by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. Localization of gangliosides among various tissue regions are determined by immunohistochemical methods using anti-ganglioside antibodies. Such improved analyses provide much information for the understanding of functions of gangliosides. Recent analytical methods and functional research in this field are reviewed.