What is MYCN amplification neuroblastoma?

MYCN is important for cell growth. Having more than 10 copies of the gene is called MYCN gene amplification. Tumors with MYCN gene amplification, such as neuroblastoma, are more likely to spread in the body and less likely to respond to treatment.

What is the difference between MYC and MYCN?

Expression of MYCN is tissue specific, and is found during early developmental stages, whereas expression of MYC is more generalized (Fig. 1C). For example, expression of MYCN is highest in forebrain, kidney, and hindbrain of newborn mice, and is virtually absent in all tissues of adult mice.

What does the MYCN gene do?

The MYCN gene is a member of the Myc family of oncogenes. These genes play important roles in regulating cell growth and division (proliferation) and the self-destruction of cells (apoptosis).

How are genes amplified?

Gene amplification is an increase in the number of copies of a gene without a proportional increase in other genes. This can result from duplication of a region of DNA that contains a gene through errors in DNA replication and repair machinery as well as through fortuitous capture by selfish genetic elements.

What does Mycn stand for?

MYCN (v-myc myelocytomatosis viral related oncogene, neuroblastoma derived (avian))

What gene is being amplified in PCR?

A nucleic acid amplification procedure, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), has been used to amplify the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) B gene code region, and its glycoprotein 52 kd antigenic domain. The primers used in the PCR assay were based on a conserved region of the HCMV B gene sequence.

How is MYCN amplified Neuroblastoma ( NB ) challenging to treat?

High-risk neuroblastoma (NB), a cancer of the sympathetic nervous system, is challenging to treat. MYCN is frequently amplified in high-risk NB and is linked to an undifferentiated phenotype and poor prognosis. Estrogen and nerve growth factor (NGF) are inducers of neural differentiation, a process associated with a favorable disease.

Which is the best genetic marker of risk for neuroblastoma?

Currently, amplification of MYCN remains the best-characterized genetic marker of risk in neuroblastoma. This article reviews roles for MYCN in neuroblastoma and highlights recent identification of other driver mutations.

Which is part of the MYC family of transcription factors?

MYCN is a member of the MYC family of transcription factors, which are key regulators of a broad range of fundamental cellular processes, including survival, proliferation, and differentiation, many of which are linked to tumor initiation and progression ( 9, 10 ).

How is retinoic acid-induced differentiation preceded by MYCN?

In line with this, retinoic acid-induced differentiation is preceded by the down-regulation of MYCN and induction of nerve growth factor (NGF) receptors ( 17 ). NGF is a well-known and powerful mediator of neuronal differentiation and is up-regulated during maturation of neurons ( 18 ).