Expression of two dead box genes (DDX1 and DDX6) is independent of that ofMYCN in human neuroblastoma cell lines

To examine whether two DEAD box genes, DDX1 and DDX6, would have some roles in the progression of tumors, we investigated the correlation of the expre ssion of these genes with that of MYCN in neuroblastomas either with or wit hout MYCN amplification. The mRNA of MYCN was observed only in the cell lin es with amplification of MYCN. The mRNAs of DDX1 and DDX6 were found in all the cell lines examined, but the correlation between the mRNA levels of DD X1 or DDX6 and MYCN was poor. These findings suggest that the expression of neither DEAD box gene is correlated with the gene expression of MYCN.