Here we show that with VHL gene transduction SY-SH5Y cells stably expressing the VHL protein had neurite-like processes with varicosities, showed the distinct expression of the neuronal markers neuropeptide Y and neurofilament 200, acquired regulated neurosecretion competence in response to depolarizing and cholinergic stimuli, and had large voltage-gated fast sodium currents and delayed rectifier potassium (Kv) currents compatible with those of functional neurons.