Tumor-associated macrophages promote neuroblastoma via STAT3 phosphorylation and up-regulation of c-MYC.

ABSTRACT: Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are strongly associated with poor survival in neuroblastomas that lack MYCN amplification. To study TAM action in neuroblastomas, we used a novel murine model of spontaneous neuroblastoma lacking MYCN amplification, and observed recruitment and polarization of TAMs, which in turn enhanced neuroblastoma proliferation and growth. In both murine and human neuroblastoma cells, we found that TAMs increased STAT3 activation in neuroblastoma cells and transcriptionally up-regulated the MYC oncogene. Analysis of human neuroblastoma tumor specimens revealed that MYC up-regulation correlates with markers of TAM infiltration. In an IL6^ko neuroblastoma model, the absence of IL-6 protein had no effect on tumor development and pr

SUBMITTER: Hadjidaniel MD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5710942 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature