Reactivation of LRAT gene expression and function by demethylating agent 5-aza-dC. a Restoration of LRAT transcript levels in CRC cell lines in the presence of 5-aza-dC in CRC cell lines. mRNA fold changes were measured by real-time RT-PCR and calculated using the delta Ct method (ΔCt). ΔCt was defined as Ct(LRAT, mock treated)–Ct(GAPDH, mock treated) or Ct (LRAT, treated)–Ct(GAPDH, treated). Average methylation levels of six CpG sites (1–6) in the presence or absence of 5-aza-dC are shown below their corresponding mRNA fold changes. b Restoration of LRAT enzymatic activity in the DLD1 cells in the presence of 5-aza-dC. HPLC analytical profiles are displayed. RE retinyl esters, ROH retinols