The role of nerve growth factor in caspase-dependent apoptosis in human BE(2)C neuroblastoma

Janette L. Holub, Yi Yong Qiu, Fei Chu, Mary Beth Madonna

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to determine if nerve growth factor (NGF) stimulation induces apoptosis in the BE(2)C neuroblastoma cell line in vitro. Methods: The LPCX retroviral vector was used to achieve stable transduction of NGF complementary DNA into BE(2)C neuroblastoma cells. Wild-type and NGF-transduced cells were then incubated with varying concentrations of NGF for varying periods. A laddering assay was performed to determine the presence of DNA fragments characteristic of apoptosis. The expression of various cleaved and total caspases was determined by Western immunoblotting. Results: p75 receptor expression in the NGF-transduced cell line was equivalent to that in the wild-type cell line, but Trk A receptor expression was significantly decreased in BE(2)C-NGF cells. DNA laddering assay demonstrated that only BE(2)C-NGF cells underwent apoptosis after stimulation with exogenous NGF. BE(2)C-NGF cells have increased expression of cleaved caspase-3 when compared with wild-type cells. Cleaved caspase-3 expression is further increased with exogenous NGF stimulation in the transduced cells. Conclusion: This study confirms that NGF stimulation of BE(2)C neuroblastoma cells can induce apoptosis through activation of the caspase cascade in vitro. The differential expression of the receptors Trk A and p75 between the wild-type and NGF-transduced cell lines may explain the differing effects observed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1191-1196
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Pediatric Surgery
Volume46
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2011

Keywords

  • Apoptosis
  • Caspase
  • Nerve growth factor
  • Neuroblastoma

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

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