Voltage-Gated ion currents of schwann cells in cell culture models of human neurofibromatosis.
K(+) (K) channels play a role in the proliferation of many cell types in normal cells and certain disease states. Several laboratories have studied K currents in cultured Schwann cells from models of the human diseases, neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). These diseases are characterized by the growth of Schwann cell tumors. In all cell culture NF models the K current properties differ in tumor-derived and normal Schwann cells. Depending on the model however, the type of K channel abnormality differs. K channels appear to play a role in the proliferation of Schwann cell cultures of these disease models, because a link has been established between K current blockade and the inhibition of Schwann cell proliferation in NF1 and NF2. Differences in the proliferation response of normal Schwann cells to K channel blockers suggest that in vitro regulation of proliferation in neoplastic and normal Schwann cells is complex.
Division of Marine Biology and Fisheries, University of Miami Rosentiel School, Miami, Florida, 33149, USA. lfieber@rsmas.miami.edu
Lynne A
LA
Fieber
D000818:Animals; D001693:Biological Transport, Active; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D017136:Ion Transport / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice; D017253:Neurofibromatoses / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011188:Potassium / Q000378:metabolism*; D024642:Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated / Q000502:physiology*; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D024642:Potassium Channels, Voltage-Gated; D011188:Potassium