Ligand-induced redistribution of lymphocyte membrane ganglioside GM1

Abstract

Dynamic aspects of the binding of cholera toxin to lymphocyte membranes have been studied. We have shown that the receptor for this ligand--the GM1 ganglioside--can be laterally redistributed into aggregates and caps. Exogenous purified GM1 inserted into GM1-deficient human leukaemic cells can undergo a similar pattern of ligand-induced mobilisation. These observations may have important implications for both the general behaviour of cell surface glycolipids and the mode of action of cholera toxin on adenyl cyclase.