Glycosphingolipids

Glycosphingolipids are widely distributed in animals and plant tissues. They consist of a ceramide bound with glycosidic linkages to mono- or oligosaccharides which may contain substituents such as sulfate, acetate, or phosphate groups. They are amphiphilic lipids with vast and divergent roles within and between cells. Glycosphingolipids affect apoptosis, cell proliferation, endocytosis, intracellular transport, cell migration and senescence, and inflammation.