Hybrid type glycolipids (lacto-ganglio series) with a novel branched structure. Their presence in undifferentiated murine leukemia cells and their dependence on differentiation.

The structures of these glycolipids are hybrids of the lacto and ganglio series, which are characterized by the presence of GlcNAc beta 1----3 and GalNAc beta 1----4 linked to the Gal residue of Gal beta 1----4Glc beta 1----1Cer. This new hybrid series can be designated as "lacto-ganglio series." These glycolipids are present in undifferentiated murine leukemia cells. Their concentration declines with differentiation and they are virtually absent in differentiated M1+ cells, suggesting that lacto-ganglio structures could be markers of undifferentiated, malignant myeloid cells.