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.
Harrisingh
Marie C
MC
MRC Laboratory for Molecular Cell Biology and the Department of Biochemistry, University College London, Gower Street, London, UK.
Lloyd
Alison C
AC
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)