ST3GAL4 gene expression is altered in different cancer types, including cervical cancer. Several mRNA transcripts have been reported for this gene; however, their expression levels in cervical cancer have not been analyzed. ST3GAL4 encodes for β‑galactosidase α‑2,3‑sialyltransferase 4, involved in the biosynthesis of the tumour antigens sLe(x) and sulfo‑sLe(x). The present study evaluated the presence of three mRNA variants (V1, V2 and V3) in cervical cancer cell lines, detecting the three variants. Additionally, the expression level of the V1 transcript of the ST3GAL4 gene was determined by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction in cervical cell lines and in normal, premalignant and cervical cancer tissue. The V1 transcript of the ST3GAL4 demonstrated significant decreased expression in premalignant and malignant cervical tissues. The results suggested that deregulation of this gene could occur prior to the presence of cancer and demonstrated the importance of evaluating the expression level of V1, and its association with disease progression.