Heterogeneous sphingosine-1-phosphate lyase gene expression and its regulatory mechanism in human lung cancer cell lines

►Sphingosine 1-phosphate lyase expression (SPL) levels vary in lung cancer cell lines. ►SPL and anti-cancer drug sensitivity are correlated in some lung cancer cell lines. ►SPL expression is regulated at the transcription level. ►The 5′-promoter region of SPL important for transcription is determined. ►Sp1 and GATA-4 transcription factors are involved in SPL transcription.