Ligand-induced redistribution of lymphocyte membrane ganglioside GM1

Dynamic aspects of the binding of cholera toxin to lymphocyte membranes have been studied. We have shown that the receptor for this ligand--the GM1 ganglioside--can be laterally redistributed into aggregates and caps. Exogenous purified GM1 inserted into GM1-deficient human leukaemic cells can undergo a similar pattern of ligand-induced mobilisation. These observations may have important implications for both the general behaviour of cell surface glycolipids and the mode of action of cholera toxin on adenyl cyclase.