Transcription factor activating protein 2 beta (TFAP2B) mediates noradrenergic neuronal differentiation in neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is an embryonal pediatric tumor that originates from the developing sympathetic nervous system and shows a broad range of clinical behavior, ranging from fatal progression to differentiation into benign ganglioneuroma. In experimental neuroblastoma systems, retinoic acid (RA) effectively induces neuronal differentiation, and RA treatment has been therefore integrated in current therapies. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying differentiation are still poorly understood. We here investigated the role of transcription factor activating protein 2 beta (TFAP2B), a key factor in sympathetic nervous system development, in neuroblastoma pathogenesis and differentiation.

Source: Molecular Oncology - November 3, 2015 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Fakhera Ikram, Sandra Ackermann, Yvonne Kahlert, Ruth Volland, Frederik Roels, Anne Engesser, Falk Hertwig, Hayriye Kocak, Barbara Hero, Daniel Dreidax, Kai-Oliver Henrich, Frank Berthold, Peter Nürnberg, Frank Westermann, Matthias Fischer Source Type: research