Cloning and characterization of the human neural cell adhesion molecule, CNTN4 (alias BIG-2)

Cytogenet Genome Res. 2003;101(1):17-23. doi: 10.1159/000073412.

Abstract

We report the isolation and characterization of human contactin 4 (CNTN4), a brain-derived, immunoglobulin superfamily molecule-2 (alias BIG-2) as a candidate gene responsible for the differentiation potential of human neuroblastoma cells. Northern blot analysis showed highest CNTN4 expression in testes, thyroid, small intestine, uterus and brain. Induction of CNTN4 mRNA expression in human neuroblastoma tumor cells treated with retinoic acid correlated with a block in retinoid-induced neuritogenesis. Our findings suggest a role for human contactin 4 protein in the response of neuroblastoma cells to differentiating agents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Base Sequence
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal / genetics*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Chromosomes, Human, Pair 3 / genetics*
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Contactins
  • DNA, Complementary / chemistry
  • DNA, Complementary / genetics
  • Female
  • Gene Expression
  • HL-60 Cells
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • K562 Cells
  • Male
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Radiation Hybrid Mapping
  • Sequence Alignment
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Sequence Homology, Amino Acid

Substances

  • CNTN4 protein, human
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules, Neuronal
  • Contactins
  • DNA, Complementary
  • RNA, Messenger

Associated data

  • GENBANK/AF549455