Glycosphingolipid biosynthesis may not be necessary for vertebrate brain development

Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) in general and gangliosides in particular have long been considered essential for CNS growth and development. Recent studies with intact developing systems in fish and mice challenge this general notion. These studies suggest that glycosphingolipid biosynthesis and expression is neither essential nor necessary for neural growth and differentiation in the developing vertebrate brain. Rather than having a major role in neural cell growth and morphogenesis, the GSLs may have a role in modulating such membrane properties as signaling, electrical conduction, maintenance, and stability.