A novel glycosphingolipid that may participate in embryo inversion in Volvox carteri.

Mouse monoclonal antibody 4-I-244 detects a developmentally regulated antigen in embryos of Volvox carteri and inhibits specifically the morphogenetic process of inversion (the process by which the embryo turns inside out). Antigen 4-I-244 was chemically characterized as a complex phytosphingolipid containing the neutral sugars xylose, galactose, and glucose as well as inositol and phosphate.