Glycosphingolipids govern gene expression.

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.