Ganglioside GM1 is a member of the ganglio series of gangliosides that contain one sialic acid residue. It is the prototype ganglioside for all other members of this series. Ganglioside GM1 is important for neuronal plasticity and repair mechanisms, as well as for the release of neurotrophins in the brain. It also acts as the site of binding for both cholera toxin and E. coli heat-labile enterotoxin.
