Neuroblastoma
The tumor that has its origin in immature nerve cells distinguishes itself with an exceptional biological and clinical variability.
From spontaneous regressions to aggressive progressions with metastasis on the skeleton are observed. The amplification of the MYCN oncogenes, a recently discovered loss of the chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 5 (CHD5) and numeric chromosome aberrations define the prognosis of the disease in a dramatic way.
Signaling molecules like the activity of the receptor-tyrosine kinases TrkA and TrkB affect the biological and the apparent clinical progression of the tumor disease as well. With the perception of a misguided tyrosine kinase-dependent signal transduction, we research the global phosphotyrosine-signal profile in the tumor entity in order to develop innovative intervention strategies with the use of small molecules and/or biopharmicals for high risk patients.