Gangliosidosis Fund

The gangliosidoses are a group of inherited metabolic diseases caused by a deficiency of the different proteins needed to break down lipids. Lipids are fatty substances like oils, waxes, steroids, and other compounds that are important parts of the membranes found within and between cells and the myelin layer that coats and protects the nerves. The GM1 and GM2 gangliosidoses – which includes Tay-Sachs disease and it’s more severe form, Sandhoff disease – have deficiencies of the enzyme beta-hexosaminidase.