Regulation of Leptin Receptor Signaling by Gangliosides

Gangliosides are glycosphingolipids containing one or more sialic acids, and abundantly exist in the central nervous system. They are fundamental components of cell membrane microdomains and interact laterally with membrane proteins, thereby regulating functions of transmembrane receptors such as epidermal growth factor receptor and insulin receptor. Studies using genetically engineered mice and neuronal cells for glycosyltransferase genes involved in glycosphingolipid synthesis provide insights into the roles of gangliosides in hypothalamic control of energy balance through leptin receptor signaling. This minireview summarizes current understanding of the mechanisms and discusses how ganglioside species regulate leptin receptor signaling.