Nucleoside Analogues. Chemistry, Biology, and Medical Applications

This large volume records the proceedings of an International Symposium on the structure of Gangliosides held in France in 1979. The list of participants is composed of many leaders in this branch of neurochemistry. Divided into six sections, the book addresses the chemistry, biochemistry, identification, metabolism, and function of gangliosides. Methodologic data including NMR spectra, high resolution H-NMR spectroscopy, glycolipid patterns after trifluoroacetolysis, and immunoassays are discussed. Very little clinical information is included. There is a chapter on the role of an activator protein in the substrate specificity of human hexosaminidase A, which addresses the differences in gangliosides stored among the variants of GM-2 gangliosidosis. Genetic deficiencies of beta-galactosidase are discussed briefly in the paper about substrate specificity of beta-galactosidase, and there are several papers discussing clinical and biochemical aspects of sialidoses. This very specialized book will be useful to neurochemists who are interested in the sphingolipid storage diseases as well as to those whose interest in gangliosides involves their role as neurotransmitters. Geneticists and others interested in ganglioside structure and metabolism will value its up-to-date information. Other clinicians and students seeking an introduction to ganglioside biochemistry will not find that it suits their needs.