The impact of the nerve growth factor on the number of MYCC, MYCN oncogene copies in human medulloblastoma cells

Introduction: The search for new molecular targets for chemotherapy of malignancies, particularly pediatric brain tumors, is a relevant issue of modern oncology. MYC expression and amplification is often observed in brain tumors, which is an unfavorable prognostic factor. Many oncogenic processes are regulated by some growth factors including the nerve growth factor (NGF). Purpose: To study the changes in the number of MYCC- and MYCN-gene copies in MB cells exposed to the NGF. Material and methods: The impact of the NGF on the number of MYCC-, MYCN oncogene copies in the primary human medulloblastoma cell culture was assessed using the method of fluorescence in situ hybridization. Results: Exposure to the NGF was shown to decrease the number of MB cells containing 6, 8 copies of MYCN oncogenes and 3, 8 copies of MYCC oncogene. The NGF was also shown to increase the number of tumor cells that contain a double set of copies of both oncogenes. There was a statistically significant (p