glycosylphosphatidylinositols Definition

Glycosylphosphatidylinositols (GPIs) are glycolipids that function as a lipid anchor for proteins, enabling them to be anchored to the surface of cells without being integral to the membrane. They are involved in various biological processes and are particularly important in the proper localization and cellular sorting of a wide range of proteins, including many cell-surface receptors and enzymes.