MYCN gene expression is required for the onset of the differentiation programme in neuroblastoma cells.

ABSTRACT: Neuroblastoma is an embryonic tumour of the sympathetic nervous system and is one of the most common cancers in childhood. A high differentiation stage has been associated with a favourable outcome; however, the mechanisms governing neuroblastoma cell differentiation are not completely understood. The MYCN gene is considered the hallmark of neuroblastoma. Even though it has been reported that MYCN has a role during embryonic development, it is needed its decrease so that differentiation can be completed. We aimed to better define the role of MYCN in the differentiation processes, particularly during the early stages. Considering the ability of MYCN to regulate non-coding RNAs, our hypothesis was that N-Myc protein might be necessary to activate differentiation (mimicking embryonic developm

SUBMITTER: Guglielmi L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3944258 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature