High levels of GM(1)-ganglioside and GM(1)-ganglioside beta-galactosidase in the parotid gland: a new model for secretory mechanisms of the parotid gland. |
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Authors: | N Nowroozi S Kim A Segawa H Warita D H Rice P C Denny J H Zernik |
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Affiliation: | Departments of Orthodontics and Basic Sciences, University of Southern California School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, California, USA. |
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Abstract: | A new model for the subcellular basis of parotid secretion is presented in this article. GM(1)-ganglioside, typically found in neural tissues, is shown to be abundant in the parotid gland. This ganglioside may play a central role in membrane turnover mechanisms underlying exocytosis/endocytosis in its role as a promoter of membrane fusion or a fusogen. The lysosome and lysosomal hydrolases also play a central role in this model in catabolism of GM(1)-ganglioside. Consequently, high levels of the lysosomal hydrolase acidic beta-galactosidase are demonstrated in the salivary gland. GM(1)-gangliosidosis of the parotid glands, as described in mice, appears to be the first single-gene heritable disease found so far in the salivary glands. |
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