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REVIEW: Ganglioside GM3 and Its Biological Functions


N. V. Prokazova*, N. N. Samovilova, E. V. Gracheva, and N. K. Golovanova

Institute of Experimental Cardiology, Russian Cardiology Research Center, Russian Ministry of Health, 3-ya Cherepkovskaya ul. 15a, 121552 Moscow, Russia; fax: (495) 414-6699; E-mail: prokazova@cardio.ru

* To whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received July 4, 2008; Revision received September 18, 2008
Metabolism, topology, and possible mechanisms for regulation of the ganglioside GM3 content in the cell are reviewed. Under consideration are biological functions of GM3, such as involvement in cell differentiation, proliferation, oncogenesis, and apoptosis.
KEY WORDS: ganglioside GM3, GM3 synthase, metabolism, cell differentiation, proliferation, oncogenesis, apoptosis

DOI: 10.1134/S0006297909030018