Comparison of Total Lipid Composition in Gb3‐Positive and Gb3‐Deficient Burkitt's Lymphoma Cells

Abstract Thin-layer chromatography was used to compare the glycolipid, phospholipid, and neutral lipid compositions of the globotriaosylceramide (Gb3)‐positive Burkitt's lymphoma Daudi cell line and the Gb3‐deficient Daudi‐derived VT500 cell line. Glycolipid compositions were determined by co‐migration of lipids with glycosphingolipid standards and staining with orcinol. Differences in glycolipid composition of the two cell lines, in addition to Gb3 content, included differences between expression of multiple cerebroside bands and more complex glycolipids. The composition of neutral lipids was similar in the two cell lines. Neutral lipids co‐migrated with triacylglycerol, diacylglycerol, and fatty acid standards. In addition, cholesterol appeared to be the major neutral lipid component in both cell lines. Phospholipid compositions were analyzed by developing chromatograms in two dimensions and staining with molybdenum blue reagent and ninhydrin. As determined by co‐migration with standards and staining pr...