Possible regulation of ganglioside GD3 synthase gene expression with DNA methylation in human glioma cells

In this study, we analyzed DNA methylation patterns of promoter regions ofGD3 synthase (ST8SIA1) as well as mRNA levels and ganglioside expression using human glioma cell lines. Among 5 cell lines examined, 4 lines showed changes in the expression levels of related genes after treatment with 5-aza-dC. LN319 showed up-regulation of St8sia1 and increased b-series gangliosides after 5-aza-dC treatment, and an astrocytoma cell line, AS showed high expression ofST8SIA1 and b-series gangliosides persistently before and after 5-Aza-2 ’-deoxycytidine treatment. Using these 2 cell lines, DNA methylation patterns of the promoter regions of the gene were analyzed by bisulfite-sequencing. Consequently, 2 regions that were methylated before 5-Aza-2’-deoxycytidine treatment were demethylated in LN319 after the treatment, while thos e regions were persistently demethylated in AS. These 2 regions corresponded with sites defined as promoter regions by Luciferase assay. Taken together, it was suggested thatST8SIA1 gene is regulated by DNA methylation at the promoter regions, leading to the regulation of tumor phenotypes.
Source: Glycoconjugate Journal - Category: Biochemistry Source Type: research