Identification of phosphoproteins as possible differentiation markers in all-trans-retinoic acid-treated neuroblastoma cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Neuroblastic tumors account for 9-10% of pediatric tumors and neuroblastoma (NB) is the first cause of death in pre-school age children. NB is classified in four stages, depending on the extent of spreading. A fifth type of NB, so-called stage 4S (S for special), includes patients with metastatic tumors but with an overall survival that approximates 75% at five years. In most of these cases, the tumor regresses spontaneously and regression is probably associated with delayed neuroblast cell differentiation.

Methodology/principal findings

In order to identify new early markers to follow and predict this process for diagnostic and therapeutics intents, we mimicked the differentiation process treating NB cell line SJ-NK-P with all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) at differ

SUBMITTER: Mandili G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3088664 | biostudies-literature | 2011 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature