Application of Fluorescently-Labeled Glycosphingolipids to Metabolic Profiling in Single Cells Using Capillary Electrophoresis

Abstract

Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are important components expressed at the cell surface, where they play numerous roles in biological processes. The analysis of GSL metabolism is important but remains challenging in part due to the complexity of the components. To better understand the functions of GSLs on single cell scale we are developing an analytical method that uses fluorescently-tagged GSL analogs and capillary electrophoresis with laser induced fluorescence detection. We are applying this method to monitor glycolipid metabolism in single cells. In this article, we summarize our methodology, show examples of the chemo-enzymatic synthesis of glycolipid analogs, and provide some experimental data in single cell analysis.