Epigenetic Regulation of Trk Receptors and Neurotrophic Signalling in Neuroblastoma: Mechanisms, Plasticity, and Therapeutic Opportunities

) loci. Instead, Trk receptor expression is dynamically shaped by promoter methylation, polycomb repressive complex 2/Enhancer of Zeste homolog 2 (PRC2/EZH2)-dependent chromatin repression, MYCN-driven transcriptional silencing, enhancer rewiring, and microRNA-mediated control. These epigenetic mechanisms govern reversible transitions along the adrenergic-mesenchymal (ADRN-MES) continuum, enabling tumour cells to adapt to microenvironmental and therapeutic stress. Single-cell and spatial multi-omics approaches have further revealed that Trk-associated phenotypes are embedded within complex regulatory circuits integrating receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) networks, cytokine signalling, metabolic remodelling, and stromal reinforcement. Here, we provide a comprehensive synthesis of the epigenetic and microenvironmental mechanisms regulating neurotrophin receptors in NB, with particular emphasis on how chromatin plasticity and cell-state transitions reshape Trk-dependent signalling outputs. We discuss advanced three-dimensional and organoid-based models that recapitulate niche-specific regulation of the Trk axis and evaluate emerging therapeutic strategies combining epigenetic modulators, differentiation-inducing agents, and RTK-targeted compounds. Understanding the temporal and spatial dynamics of Trk signalling may open new opportunities to therapeutically stabilise differentiation states and disrupt adaptive resistance programs in high-risk NB.

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Publication Details

Journal
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Published
2026-04-02
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27073238
Primary Topic
Neuroblastoma Research and Treatments
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Epigenetic Regulation of Trk Receptors and Neurotrophic Signalling in Neuroblastoma: Mechanisms, Plasticity, and Therapeutic Opportunities

Carlotta Siddi, Simona Dedoni, Paola Fadda, Jihane Balla
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
Neuroblastoma Research and Treatments
article

Epigenetic Regulation of Trk Receptors and Neurotrophic Signalling in Neuroblastoma: Mechanisms, Plasticity, and Therapeutic Opportunities

Carlotta Siddi, Simona Dedoni, Paola Fadda, Jihane Balla
article en

Abstract

) loci. Instead, Trk receptor expression is dynamically shaped by promoter methylation, polycomb repressive complex 2/Enhancer of Zeste homolog 2 (PRC2/EZH2)-dependent chromatin repression, MYCN-driven transcriptional silencing, enhancer rewiring, and microRNA-mediated control. These epigenetic mechanisms govern reversible transitions along the adrenergic-mesenchymal (ADRN-MES) continuum, enabling tumour cells to adapt to microenvironmental and therapeutic stress. Single-cell and spatial multi-omics approaches have further revealed that Trk-associated phenotypes are embedded within complex regulatory circuits integrating receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) networks, cytokine signalling, metabolic remodelling, and stromal reinforcement. Here, we provide a comprehensive synthesis of the epigenetic and microenvironmental mechanisms regulating neurotrophin receptors in NB, with particular emphasis on how chromatin plasticity and cell-state transitions reshape Trk-dependent signalling outputs. We discuss advanced three-dimensional and organoid-based models that recapitulate niche-specific regulation of the Trk axis and evaluate emerging therapeutic strategies combining epigenetic modulators, differentiation-inducing agents, and RTK-targeted compounds. Understanding the temporal and spatial dynamics of Trk signalling may open new opportunities to therapeutically stabilise differentiation states and disrupt adaptive resistance programs in high-risk NB.

International Journal of Molecular SciencesVol. 27(7)
University of Cagliari (IT), Neuroscience Institute (IT), National Research Council (IT)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 24%
Neuroblastoma Research and Treatments
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