Reagents and instruments for immunology, cell biology and molecular biology.
 
Glucosylceramide

Glucosylceramide

Glucosylceramide (GlcCer) , also termed glucocerebroside, is the archetypal neutral monoglycosylceramide and obligate precursor to all complex glycosphingolipids. It is formed through a β-glycosidic linkage of glucose to the C1-hydroxyl group of ceramide, typically composed of d18:1 sphingosine N-acylated with C16:0–C24:0 fatty acids. Synthesized at the cytosolic face of the Golgi apparatus, GlcCer is subsequently translocated into the lumen for extension into lactosylceramide (LacCer) and gangliosides. This distinguishes it from the myelin-specific galactosylceramide (GalCer), while maintaining cerebroside amphipathicity that contributes to lipid raft organization beyond phospholipid membranes.

Molecular Structure

GlcCer consists of a ceramide backbone (sphinganine or sphingosine variants, amide-linked to an acyl chain often saturated or 2-hydroxylated) conjugated with β-D-glucose in a β1–1′ linkage. In mammalian systems, d18:1 species with acyl chains ranging from C16:0 to C24:1 predominate, whereas fungal GlcCer exhibits distinctive Δ8-phytosphingosine and C18:0 acylation patterns. The compact glucose headgroup (~50 Ų) adopts an equatorial orientation, promoting cylindrical packing behavior. Importantly, GlcCer is epimeric at the C4 position relative to GalCer, enabling differentiation by mass spectrometry through characteristic glycosidic cleavage patterns.

Biophysical Properties

GlcCer displays gel-phase transition temperatures (Tm) in the range of ~45–55°C, with very-long-chain fatty acid variants promoting interdigitation and enhanced membrane rigidity. In association with cholesterol and sphingomyelin, GlcCer contributes to the formation of liquid-ordered (Lo) lipid raft domains, which selectively exclude unsaturated phospholipid chains. A robust hydrogen-bonding network involving the amide group, the 3-OH of ceramide, and glucose hydroxyls further stabilizes GlcCer-rich assemblies, rendering them significantly more ordered compared with fluid phosphatidylcholine (PC) or phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) bilayers.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I quickly find a glucosylceramide product?

To find a glucosylceramide product, use the search function by name, product code, supplier, brand or sub-category. You can also browse the product families listed on the page to identify an available product code, an alternative or an equivalent product.

Does Biovalley stock several product codes in the glucosylceramide category?

Yes, Biovalley distributes several product references in the glucosylceramide category, sourced from specialist suppliers. Depending on the product family, references may vary in terms of format, packaging, brand, supplier, technical specifications or availability.

Can I request a quote for glucosylceramide products?

Yes, you can request a quote for glucosylceramide products from the product page or by contacting Biovalley (info@biovalley.fr). To help us process your enquiry, please provide, where possible, the product name, catalogue reference, required quantity, the supplier or brand you are looking for, and the country of delivery.

How can I find out if a glucosylceramide product is available to order?

The availability of a glucosylceramide product depends on the product code, supplier, packaging and country of delivery. For up-to-date information, please check the product details page or contact Biovalley with the product code or name of the product you are looking for.

What should I do if I cannot find the glucosylceramide product I am looking for?

If the glucosylceramide product you are looking for does not appear in the catalogue, please contact Biovalley with the available information: product name, reference number, supplier, brand, format or packaging. The team will be able to search for the reference number within its network of suppliers or suggest an available alternative.

Are all glucosylceramide products available under the same terms and conditions?

No. Ordering, delivery, storage and documentation conditions may vary depending on the product type, the supplier and the applicable regulations. Certain product codes may require specific approval, specialised transport, a safety data sheet or additional information prior to ordering.

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