Comparison of genomic profiles in human neuroblastic SH-SY5Y and substrate-adherent SH-EP cells using array comparative genomic hybridization

Abstract

Human neuroblastoma is the most commonly diagnosed solid tumor in children. The existence and development of S-type cells is important for the prognosis and malignant properties in neuroblastoma patients. However, their origin is controversial and the relationship between S- and N-type cells in neuroblastoma has not yet been clarified. To investigate the feasibility of inter-conversion and characteristic features between S-type cells lacking malignant potential and N-type cells having metastatic potential, the genomic profiles of neuroblastoma SH-EP (S-type) and SH-SY5Y (N-type) cells were compared at high resolution. Common gain segments (>10 Mb) between SH-EP and SH-SY5Y cells were observed at 1q21.1–q44 and 17q21.32–q25.3. The results of the fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis showed good agreement with the array-CGH data. Genome-wide inspection of SH-EP and SH-SY5Y cells successfully identified not only common chromosomal aberrations but also genomic variations, suggesting that interconversion could not take place between S- and Ntype cells. The identified differences between less aggressive S-type cells (SH-EP) and highly aggressive neuroblastic N-type cells (SH-SY5Y) might be useful for understanding tumorigenicity and discovery of potential new markers in neuroblastoma. This is the first effort to compare genomic profiles between less aggressive S-type cells (SH-EP) and highly aggressive neuroblastic N-type cells (SH-SY5Y) at high resolution.