Schwann cell plasticity regulates neuroblastic tumor cell differentiation via epidermal growth factor-like protein 8.

ABSTRACT: Adult Schwann cells (SCs) possess an inherent plastic potential. This plasticity allows SCs to acquire repair-specific functions essential for peripheral nerve regeneration. Here, we investigate whether stromal SCs in benign-behaving peripheral neuroblastic tumors adopt a similar cellular state. We profile ganglioneuromas and neuroblastomas, rich and poor in SC stroma, respectively, and peripheral nerves after injury, rich in repair SCs. Indeed, stromal SCs in ganglioneuromas and repair SCs share the expression of nerve repair-associated genes. Neuroblastoma cells, derived from aggressive tumors, respond to primary repair-related SCs and their secretome with increased neuronal differentiation and reduced proliferation. Within the pool of secreted stromal and repair SC factors, we identify

SUBMITTER: Weiss T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7954855 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature