Expression of Id2 mRNA in neuroblastoma and normal ganglion

Aims: Inhibitors of DNA binding 2 (Id2) has been reported to be overexpressed in neuroblastoma cell lines carrying extra copies of the N-myc gene. It has been suggested that Id2 may be involved in the disturbed regulation of cell cycle by interfering with retinoblastoma protein. Methods: In this report we assessed Id2 gene expression in 20 neuroblastoma samples and eight normal ganglion tissues using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). Id2 expression in resected clinical samples of neuroblastoma needs to be studied. Results: Id2 messenger RNA (mRNA) was expressed in all the neuroblastoma samples. The level of Id2 mRNA expression was not influenced by the patientʹs age, gender, tumorʹs clinical stage, DNA ploidy pattern, histological pattern, the level of N-myc mRNA expression and whether the patient was found by mass screening or by symptom. Id2 was also expressed in comparable levels in normal differentiated sympathetic ganglion in adult. Conclusion: Our data suggest that Id2ʹs role in the oncogenesis or progression of neuroblastoma is minimal.