Induction of Glycosphingolipid GM3 Expression by Valproic Acid Suppresses Cancer Cell Growth.

Glycosphingolipid GM3, a known suppressor of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation, inhibits cell proliferation. Valproic acid, conversely, is known as an up-regulator of GM3 synthase gene (ST3GAL5). To test the possibility that valproic acid could inhibit EGFR phosphorylation by increasing the level of GM3 in cells, we treated A431 epidermoid carcinoma cells with valproic acid and found that valproic acid treatment caused an about 6-fold increase in the GM3 level but only a marginal increase in the GM2 level in these cells and that the observed increase in GM3 level was valproic acid dose-dependent.