Ras/Raf/ERK signalling and NF1.
Ras signalling is important in the development of Schwann-cell-derived tumors in Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) patients. Schwann cells are a regenerative cell type, with no known stem-cell population. To produce new cells in the adult, for example following nerve damage, myelinating Schwann cells de-differentiate, proliferate and then re-differentiate during the repair process. We have found that Ras/Raf/ERK signalling can drive the de-differentiation of myelinated Schwann cells. In this review, we discuss how our results may contribute to the understanding of tumor formation in NF1 patients.
MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology and the Department of Biochemistry, University College London, Gower Street, London, UK.
Marie C
MC
Harrisingh
Alison C
AC
Lloyd
D048049:Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D009456:Neurofibromatosis 1 / Q000473:pathology; D025542:Neurofibromin 1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D027384:Oncogene Proteins v-raf / Q000378:metabolism*; D016283:Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras) / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction
D025542:Neurofibromin 1; D027384:Oncogene Proteins v-raf; D048049:Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases; D016283:Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)