Glycosphingolipids govern gene expression
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Mass Spectrometric Analysis of Glycosphingolipid Antigens
Published on: April 16, 2013
Jin-ichi Inokuchi1, Kazuya Kabayama, Satoshi Uemura
1Department of Biomembrane and Biofunctional Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12-jo, Nishi 6-chome, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0812, Japan. inokuchi@kinou02.pharm.hokudai.ac.jp
Abstract:
To elucidate the biological significance of the lactosylceramide (LacCer) branching in glycosphingolipid (GSL) biosynthesis, we established ganglioside GM3- and lactosylsulfatide SM3-reconstituted cells by introducing the GM3 synthase gene and the sulfotransferase gene, respectively. In SM3-expressing cells, the reduction of beta1 integrin mRNA expression, the reduced adhesivity to fibronectin and laminin, and the suppression of anchorage-independent growth (tumorigenic potential) were observed. On the other hand, in GM3-expressing cells, anchorage-independent growth was promoted and the expression of PDGF alpha receptor mRNA was specifically reduced. Interestingly enough, no change in anchorage-dependent growth was observed in these cells, and tumorigenic signals were controlled selectively in both positive and negative directions. Thus, the spatio-temporal, gene expression control mechanism by individual GSL molecules accumulating in the cell membrane microdomain (raft) has been proven.
Related Concept Videos
Cell Specific Gene Expression
Cell Specific Gene Expression
Genomic Imprinting and Inheritance
The expression of some genes depends on which parent passed the gene to the offspring, through a phenomenon known as...
Oligosaccharide Assembly
Multiple sugar molecules that may or may...
What is Gene Expression?
What is Gene Expression?
Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
Genetic Information Flows from DNA to RNA to Protein
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is made up of nucleotides and proteins consist of amino...

