The relationship between depletion of brain GM1 ganglioside and Parkinson's disease

GM1 is one of the main gangliosides of the nervous system, and it exerts neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties in neurons. It is involved in many processes necessary for the correct physiology of neuronal cells. In particular, it is necessary for the activity of neuronal receptors that control processes such as differentiation, survival, and mitochondrial activity. A shortage of GM1 in the substantia nigra is potentially responsible for the neurodegeneration present in Parkinson's disease patients. In this review, I report on the role played by GM1 in neurons and how its genetic shortage may be responsible for the onset of Parkinson's disease.

Automated summary

GM1 is a main ganglioside in the nervous system and plays a crucial role in the neurotrophic and neuroprotective functions of neurons. It is involved in various processes essential for the proper functioning of neuronal cells, including the activity of receptors controlling differentiation, survival, and mitochondrial activity. GM1 deficiency in the substantia nigra may contribute to the neurodegeneration observed in Parkinson's disease.