DKO mice expressing only GM3 did not show obesity and hyperglycemia.

(A) A synthetic pathway of gangliosides. Ganglioside species that are absent in KO mice for GM2S (β1,4-GalNAc-T) and GD3S (α2,8-Sia-T) genes are enclosed by dotted line and solid line, respectively. Consequently, all structures boxed in two squares were depleted in DKO mice. (B) Body weights at 4 weeks of age in ganglioside-deficient mouse lines (more than 20 mice each). Oblique line and dot bars show male and female mice, respectively. Data are expressed as means ± S.D. **PC) Body weights, (D) adipose tissue weights isolated from epididymal fat, and (E) blood glucose levels at 12 (3 mice each), 20 (5 mice each), and 35 weeks of age (6 mice each). Open and closed circles show WT and DKO mice, respectively. Data are expressed as means ± S.D. **PF) Blood glucose levels during GTT (left) and ITT (right) at 20 weeks of age (3 mice each). Open and closed circles show results of WT and DKO mice, respectively. Data are expressed as means ± S.D. (G) Blood glucose levels during GTT (left) and ITT (right) at 35–40 weeks of age (3 mice each). Open and closed circles show results of WT and DKO mice, respectively. Data are expressed as means ± S.D. *P<0.05 and **P<0.01 as compared between WT and DKO mice.