Genes co-amplified with MYCN in neuroblastoma: silent passengers or co-determinants of phenotype?
Amplification of the MYCN oncogene in neuroblastoma is associated with poor prognosis. The amplified unit of DNA can be up to 1 Mb in size and so could contain additional genes that affect tumour phenotype. Identification of such genes may assist in optimising the determination of prognosis, and could provide new targets for treatment. Three genes have so far been identified, which are frequently co-amplified with MYCN in neuroblastoma, DDX1, NAG and N-cym. In this review, the known or putative properties of the protein products of the genes are discussed, and their possible roles in determining tumour behaviour are assessed.
Scott
Debbie
D
Cancer Research Unit, University of Newcastle Medical School, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH UK.
Elsden
Joanna
J
Pearson
Andrew
A
Lunec
John
J
D053487:DEAD-box RNA Helicases; D005784:Gene Amplification; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D016259:Genes, myc / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D009447:Neuroblastoma / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D020365:RNA Helicases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
C117339:NBAS protein, human; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; C086252:DDX1 protein, human; D053487:DEAD-box RNA Helicases; D020365:RNA Helicases