Whilst it has long been known that the proto-oncogene MYCN is crucial for NC cell fate (Wakamatsu et al., 1997) and influencing differentiation states in NB (Westermark et al., 2011), a deeper understanding of developmental factors remains necessary to determine the origins of NB in order to inform improved prognosis and therapies. The gene discussed is MYCN; the disease is neuroblastoma.