Claim: GM2A is a gene which encodes a small glycolipid transport protein and also stimulates the enzymatic processing of gangliosides, which are molecules composed of a glycosphingolipid with one or more sialic acids.
Evidence: GM2 ganglioside activator also known as GM2A is a protein which in humans is encoded by the GM2A gene. The protein encoded by this gene is a small glycolipid transport protein which acts as a substrate specific co-factor for the lysosomal enzyme β-hexosaminidase A. GM2A is a lipid transfer protein that stimulates the enzymatic processing of gangliosides, and also T-cell activation through lipid presentation. A ganglioside is a molecule composed of a glycosphingolipid (ceramide and oligosaccharide) with one or more sialic acids (e.g. n-acetylneuraminic acid, NANA) linked on the sugar chain.