ert 1

Lyso-globotriaosylceramide is a form of globotriaosylceramide that is lacking the fatty acyl group. It binds to Shiga toxin 1 (Stx1) in the presence of cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine but does not bind Stx2. It also reduces viability and aggregation of human neutrophils induced by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate when used at concentrations of 50 and 1 μM, respectively. Lyso-globotriaosylceramide accumulates in the brain, heart, kidney, liver, lung, and spleen in a mouse model of Fabry disease, a lysosomal storage disorder characterized by a deficiency in the enzyme α-galactosidase A. It also accumulates in the urine, kidney, and plasma of patients with Fabry disease. Lyso-globotriaosylceramide levels decrease in response to administration of the α-galactosidase inhibitor 1-deoxygalactonojirimycin in a transgenic mouse model of Fabry disease. Decreases in plasma and urine concentrations of lyso-globotriaosylceramide have been used as a biomarker for efficacy of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) and other therapies in the treatment of Fabry disease.