Globoside promotes activation of ERK by interaction with the epidermal growth factor receptor

► Two carcinoma cells, HCT116 and MCF7, have similar GSL profile and Gb4 is one of the major neutral GSL. ► The depletion of total GSL suppressed cell proliferation and RTK-induced ERK signaling. ► Exogeneous addition of Gb4 restored phosphorylation of EGFR and ERK. ► Gb4 forms a complex with EGFR.