Catarzi, B.

The GM1 gangliosidoses, usually shortened to GM1, are gangliosidoses caused by mutation in the GLB1 gene resulting in a deficiency of beta-galactosidase. The deficiency causes abnormal storage of acidic lipid materials in cells of the central and peripheral nervous systems, but particularly in the nerve cells, resulting in progressive neurodegeneration. GM1 is a rare lysosomal storage disorder with a prevalence of 1 to every 100,000 to 200,000 live births worldwide, although rates are higher in some regions.