A ganglioside is a molecule composed of a glycosphingolipid (ceramide and oligosaccharide) with one or more sialic acids (e.g. n-acetylneuraminic acid, NANA) linked on the sugar chain.
GT1a ganglioside is one of the minor neuronal gangliosides. Demonstrates high-affinity binding with amyloid beta-protein, useful as one of the markers of Alzheimer disease.
Recently, gangliosides have been found to be highly important molecules in immunology. Natural and semisynthetic gangliosides are considered possible therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders.