GSL Structure Analysis by FAB-MS
Introduction of Glycosphingolipid (GSL)
GSL is a structurally and functionally diverse and important lipid component composed of sphingosine, fatty acids, and carbohydrates, widely distributed in all eukaryotes and some bacteria. It is a glycoside of ceramide (Cer) or inositol phosphorylceramide (IPC). GSL is mainly located in the outer layer of the plasma membrane, contained in lipid rafts together with cholesterol clusters, which serve as binding sites or receptors. GSL is found in the membranes of intracellular organelles and circulates in serum in free or protein-bound form.
GSL is involved in various cellular functions such as receptor properties for hormones, viruses, and bacteria. GSL also plays an important role in cell-cell interactions, cell adhesion, cell proliferation, and cell differentiation. Similar to other carbohydrates, the structural changes of GSL glycans are enormous, such as sulfation, acetylation, etherification, etc. Even for relatively small GSL molecules, the chemical structure information is diverse.
Fig.1 Schematic model of the different levels of GSL regulation. (Zhang, et al., 2019)
GSL Structure Analysis at CD BioGlyco
The glycosphingolipidome comprises an important and extensive subset of the glycome and lipidome, but the structural diversity, spatial distribution, and complexity of the biological function of GSLs form the profile of a considerable analytical problem. Therefore, sensitive tools to detect, identify, and quantify GSLs at the molecular level are urgently needed. There is no doubt that mass spectrometry (MS) is the technology of choice to meet GSL analytical challenges. At CD BioGlyco, we have developed an MS-based GSL Structural Analysis Service. We couple MS with a variety of analytical techniques according to the specific needs of our clients.
Fast atom bombardment-MS (FAB-MS) is the first MS technology introduced into the field of sugar chain analysis. It uses high-energy particles such as argon or xenon to irradiate sample molecules in a liquid matrix to evaporate and ionize them. It is easy to operate and stable in the signal. FAB-MS is used to determine the molecular weight, sugar sequence, sugar substituents, and ceramide composition of the glycolipid fraction in the neutral fraction.
Fig.2 One-stop solution for GSL research. (CD BioGlyco)
In addition, we also provide diverse GSL products for global clients, including but not limited to:
| Cat. No. | Product Name | Cat. No. | Product Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| XGB725 | N-(NBD-Aminocaproyl)sphingosine β-D-galactosyl | XGB758 | Disialoganglioside GD1b from bovine brain |
| XGB726 | N-(NBD-Aminocaproyl)sphingosine β-D-lactosyl | XGB759 | Lysoganglioside GM1 from bovine brain |
| XGB727 | N-(NBD-Aminolauroyl)sphingomyelin | XGB760 | Monosialoganglioside GM3 from canine blood |
| XGB728 | N-(NBD-Aminolauroyl)sphingosine β-D-lactosyl | XGB761 | Monosialoganglioside GM1 from bovine brain, ≥95% |
| XGB754 | Asialoganglioside GM1 from bovine brain | XGB762 | Monosialoganglioside GM1 from bovine brain, γ-irradiated, ≥95% (TLC) |
| XGB755 | Asialoganglioside GM2 from bovine brain | XGB763 | Monosialoganglioside GM2 from bovine brain |
| XGB756 | Disialoganglioside GD2 from bovine brain | XGB764 | Trisialoganglioside GT1b from bovine brain |
| XGB757 | Disialoganglioside GD1a from bovine brain | XGB765 | Sulfatides from bovine brain |
Advantages of Us
- We determine the molecular weight, sugar sequence, sugar substituents, and ceramide composition of the glycolipid fraction.
- It is easy to operate and stable in the signal.
- We combine MS with multiple technologies according to your needs.
- Detailed experimental reports and analysis spectra are provided after project completion.
CD BioGlyco is committed to providing comprehensive, reliable, and accurate analysis services for glycobiology research. Our GSL Analysis Solutions have been recognized by scientists from many countries. If you are interested in our GSL structural analysis services, please feel free to contact us for more information.
Reference
- Zhang, T.; et al. The role of glycosphingolipids in immune cell functions. Frontiers in immunology. 2019, 10: 90.
