Loss of caspase-8 expression in neuroblastoma is related to malignancy and resistance to TRAIL-induced apoptosis

Background and Procedures NB-derived cell lines were tested for their sensitivity to apoptosis induced by the tumor-selective apoptotic ligand TRAIL. Noninvasive S-type cell lines are highly sensitive to TRAIL, whereas invasive N-type cell lines are resistant. Results Although both S- and N-type cell lines express TRAIL-R2, FADD, and caspases-3 and -10, only S-type cells express caspase-8. Reduced levels of caspase-8 protein were also observed in a stage IV NB tumor when compared to a ganglioneuroma. The caspase-8 gene is not deleted in either N-type NB cell lines or high-stage tumors, and expression can be induced by demethylation. Conclusions Therefore, caspase-8 expression is silenced in malignant NB, which correlates to tumor severity and resistance to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Med. Pediatr. Oncol. 35:608–611, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.