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Human neuroblastoma cell lines that express N-myc without gene amplification
R K Wada1, R C Seeger, G M Brodeur
1Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, CA 90027.
Cancer
|December 1, 1993
Summary
New neuroblastoma cell lines (SMS-LHN, LA-N-6) were developed from aggressive tumors lacking N-myc amplification. These lines show high N-myc expression, suggesting a role in neuroblastoma development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Aggressive neuroblastomas often lack N-myc gene amplification.
- Developing cell lines from these tumors is crucial for understanding their biology.
- Two Stage IV neuroblastoma patients with progressive disease provided tumor samples.
Observation:
- Established two new neuroblastoma cell lines: SMS-LHN and LA-N-6.
- Both cell lines and their original tumors lacked N-myc genomic amplification.
- Patients from whom these lines were derived experienced progressive disease.
Findings:
- SMS-LHN and LA-N-6 lines are distinct from other tumor lines based on cell surface antigens and catecholamine production.
- Cytogenetic analysis revealed unique rearrangements and chromosome 2 abnormalities in both lines.
- These lines exhibit slower growth rates than N-myc amplified neuroblastoma lines but show elevated N-myc RNA and protein levels.
Implications:
- N-myc expression, even without gene amplification, may contribute to neuroblastoma pathogenesis.
- These cell lines offer a valuable tool for studying N-myc gene activation mechanisms beyond amplification.
- Further research can elucidate the role of N-myc in aggressive neuroblastoma.