MYCN, neuroblastoma and focal adhesion kinase (FAK).

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor of childhood. This tumor is characterized by poor survival, especially when it features amplification of the MYCN oncogene. The ability for human cancers to propagate is marked by their ability to invade and metastasize to distant sites. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a key tyrosine kinase involved in the survival and metastasis of a number of human tumor types. We have shown that FAK is present in human neuroblastoma and that its expression in neuroblastoma is related to the MYCN oncogene. We have also demonstrated that inhibition of FAK in neuroblastoma leads to decreased tumor cell survival. The current review addresses the relationship between the MYCN oncogene, focal adhesion kinase and neuroblastoma.