Functional role of a specific ganglioside in neuronal migration and neurite outgrowth. R. Mendez-Otero and M.F. Santiago. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 36 (8): 1003, 2003.

Figure 6. Schematic diagram suggesting possible mechanisms for 9-O-acetyl GD3 action on neuronal motility. The ganglioside may modulate the integrin receptor through a Ca²⁺-dependent mechanism and/or by a direct interaction between the ceramide moiety of the ganglioside and the integrin transmembrane helix. In a first stage, the integrin receptor is inactive and there is no recognition of extracellular matrix proteins. Later, gangliosides in the adjacent membrane become laterally packed around the integrin receptor (represented in the scheme by only one ganglioside), providing an optimal Ca²⁺-enriched microenvironment for the activation and recognition of extracellular matrix proteins by this receptor. In addition, the gangliosides can interact directly with the integrin receptor through a conserved lysine located inside a 23-amino acid sequence at the carboxy-terminus of the integrin transmembrane helix. 9-O-GD3 = 9-O-acetyl GD3.