To investigate the kinase activity of both wildtype and F1174S/L mutant EML4-ALK variants, we introduced them into PC12 cells, cells derived from a pheochromocytoma of the rat adrenal medulla, to characterize protein expression, autophosphorylation, activation of known downstream pathways, and ability to induce neurite outgrowth. Here, ALK is linked to hereditary pheochromocytoma-paraganglioma.