Knock-down of CHL1 in HTLA-230 NB cell line triggered colony formation and anchorage-independent growth, enhanced cell proliferation and migration, induced activation of Rho GTPases, decreased expression of MAP2 and of the autophagy protein markers Beclin1 and LC3 inducing neurite retraction, and accelerated growth in orthotopic xenografts mouse model. The gene discussed is CHL1; the disease is neuroblastoma.