Elevated MGAT3 expression in ovarian cancer cells is epigenetically regulated by DNA hypomethylation

Introduction: We have identified by mass spectrometry complex glycan structures comprising a unique bisecting GlcNAc (N-acetylgucosamine) motif exclusively on serous ovarian cancer cells. Bisecting GlcNAc on N-glycosylated proteins is a unique product of the beta-1,4-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase 3, MGAT3. The function of MGAT3 and bisecting GlcNAc in tumorigenesis is unclear, since both oncogenic and tumor suppressive functions have been described. Our aim is to investigate the molecular basis of dysregulated MGAT3 expression in ovarian cancer cells. Material and methods: DNA methylation of the MGAT3 promoter…