MYCN silencing induces differentiation and apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cells

Jung Hee Kang, Piotr G. Rychahou, Titilope A. Ishola, Jingbo Qiao, B. Mark Evers, Dai H. Chung

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

107 Scopus citations

Abstract

MYCN amplification strongly correlates with unfavorable outcomes in patients with neuroblastoma. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of MYCN in neuroblastoma cell differentiation and apoptosis. We used the technique of RNA interference to inhibit MYCN gene expression in neuroblastoma cells with variable expression of MYCN. Our results showed that inhibition of MYCN gene expression in MYCN amplified cells induced apoptosis and suppressed cell growth; neuronal differentiation also occurred after MYCN gene silencing. Moreover, N-myc downregulation was associated with decreased Bcl-xL protein levels and caspase-3 activation. These data show that small interfering RNA directed to MYCN, which plays a crucial role in neuroblastoma cell survival, may provide a potential novel therapeutic option for aggressive neuroblastomas.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)192-197
Number of pages6
JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
Volume351
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 8 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Apoptosis
  • Differentiation
  • MYCN/N-myc
  • Neuroblastoma
  • RNAi/siRNA

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biophysics
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'MYCN silencing induces differentiation and apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cells'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this