Open AccessHeterogeneity in retinoblastoma: a tale of molecules and models
Author(s) -
Stenfelt Sonya,
Blixt Maria K. E.,
AllEricsson Charlotta,
Hallböök Finn,
Boije Henrik
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
clinical and translational medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.125
H-Index - 1
ISSN - 2001-1326
DOI - 10.1186/s40169-017-0173-2
Subject(s) - retinoblastoma , epigenetics , cancer research , medicine , metastasis , genetic heterogeneity , retinoblastoma protein , bioinformatics , biology , cancer , genetics , cell cycle , gene , phenotype
Retinoblastoma, an intraocular pediatric cancer, develops in the embryonic retina following biallelic loss of RB1 . However, there is a wide range of genetic and epigenetic changes that can affect RB1 resulting in different clinical outcomes. In addition, other transformations, such as MYCN amplification, generate particularly aggressive tumors, which may or may not be RB1 independent. Recognizing the cellular characteristics required for tumor development, by identifying the elusive cell‐of‐origin for retinoblastoma, would help us understand the development of these tumors. In this review we summarize the heterogeneity reported in retinoblastoma on a molecular, cellular and tissue level. We also discuss the challenging heterogeneity in current retinoblastoma models and suggest future platforms that could contribute to improved understanding of tumor initiation, progression and metastasis in retinoblastoma, which may ultimately lead to more patient‐specific treatments.