Human neuroblastoma cells in culture: a model for neuronal cell differentiation and function.

The human neuroblastoma cell line, SH-SY5Y, differentiates into neuron-like cells according to morphological, biochemical and functional criteria when treated with biologically active phorbol-esters. The differentiated phenotype is described and alterations in proto-oncogene expression in connection with growth control and differentiation are presented and discussed.