Alternative splicing of the neurofibromatosis 1 gene correlates with growth patterns and neuroendocrine properties of human small-cell lung-carcinoma cells.

摘要: Two distinct transcripts, type I and II, of the neurofibromatosis (NF1) gene are generated by alternative splicing in region corresponding to gene's GTPase-activating protein-related domain (GRD). Relative expression levels these 2 transcripts were previously correlated neural differentiation. Since small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) often exhibits neuroendocrine properties, we analyzed type-I type-II mRNA ratio 15 SCLC cell lines, using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction methods. The was predominant 10 lines; 8 them grew as floating aggregates cultuure had high L-dopa decarboxylase (DDC) activity. other 5 lines predominantly expressed mRNA, adhered culture substrate, low or undetectable cell-adhesion molecule (NCAM) antigen DDC N2+, one subclones NCI-N417 cells, exhibited a higher after cells laminin-coated plate emitted meurite-like processes. These findings provide evidence that patterns NF1 correlate with mechanisms regulate growth neuroendocrime properties vitro