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Glycosphingolipids in signaling and development: From liposomes to model organisms
Author(s) -
Pontier Stephanie M.,
Schweisguth François
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
developmental dynamics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.634
H-Index - 141
eISSN - 1097-0177
pISSN - 1058-8388
DOI - 10.1002/dvdy.22766
Subject(s) - biology , context (archaeology) , liposome , microbiology and biotechnology , in vivo , raft , signal transduction , in vitro , lipid raft , model organism , computational biology , biochemistry , genetics , gene , chemistry , paleontology , organic chemistry , copolymer , polymer
Since the launch of the raft hypothesis in 1997, data generated in liposomes and cultured cells have highlighted the role of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) in the dynamic organization of biological membranes and the activity of signaling complexes. In parallel studies, genetic analysis of the GSL synthetic pathway has begun to reveal some of the specific roles of GSLs in vivo. Here, we review the role of GSLs in signaling in the context of a refined raft hypothesis. Recent genetic studies in worms, flies, and mice give us the opportunity to integrate these in vivo data with earlier in vitro liposome studies. Developmental Dynamics 241:92–106, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.