GDF3 and neuroblastoma: Therefore, differential upregulation of expressed genes in ECCs which include sal-like 4 (SALL4), growth differentiation factor 3 (GDF3), v-myc myelocytomatosis viral related oncogene, neuroblastoma derived (MYCN), and piwi-like 2 (PIWIL2) may be indicative of their oncogenic as well as their pluripotent properties in these stem cells.