Analysis of ALK, MYCN, and the ALK ligand ALKAL2 (FAM150B/AUG alpha) in neuroblastoma patient samples with chromosome arm 2p rearrangements

• Gain of chromosome arm 2p is a previously described entity in neuroblastoma (NB). This genomic address is home to two important oncogenes in NB-MYCN and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK). MYCN amplification is a critical prognostic factor coupled with poor prognosis in NB. Mutation of the ALK receptor tyrosine kinase has been described in both somatic and familial NB. Here, ALK activation occurs in the context of the full-length receptor, exemplified by activating point mutations in NB. ALK overexpression and activation, in the absence of genetic mutation has also been described in NB. In addition, the recently identified ALK ligand ALKAL2 (previously described as FAM150B and AUG alpha) is also found on the distal portion of 2p, at 2p25. Here we analyze 356 NB tumor samples and discuss observations indicating that gain of 2p has implications for the development of NB. Finally, we put forward the hypothesis that the effect of 2p gain may result from a combination of MYCN, ALK, and the ALK ligand ALKAL2.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Cancer och onkologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cancer and Oncology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

ALK

ALKAL2

Augmentor

FAM150

MYCN

neuroblastoma

anaplastic lymphoma kinase

improved survival probability

receptor

tyrosine kinases

activating mutations

partial trisomy

gene

expression

tumors

amplification

ddx1

Oncology

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)