Ratner Lab
Gene Cells and Pathways in Neurofibroma Formation

Gene Cells and Pathways in Neurofibroma Formation

The neurofibromas found in NF1 patients contain not Schwann cells and a progenitor-like Schwann cell population that initiates neurofibroma, but also fibroblasts, macrophages, mast cells, and other immune cells, and axons. The Ratner lab uses cell culture and mouse models together with gene expression analyses to define the roles of specific cell types in neurofibroma initiation and neurofibroma growth.

Related Publications

Williams JP, Wu J, Johansson G, Rizvi TA, Miller SC, Geiger H, Malik P, Li W, Mukouyama YS, Cancelas JA, Ratner N. Nf1 mutation expands an EGFR-dependent peripheral nerve progenitor that confers neurofibroma tumorigenic potential. Cell Stem Cell. Dec 4;3(6):658-69. 2008.

Wu J, Williams JP, Rizvi TA, Kordich JJ, Witte D, Meijer D, Stemmer-Rachamimov AO, Cancelas JA, Ratner N. Plexiform and dermal neurofibromas and pigmentation are caused by Nf1 loss in desert hedgehog-expressing cells. Cancer Cell. Feb;13(2):105-16. 2008.

Monk KR, Wu J, Williams JP, Finney BA, Fitzgerald ME, Filippi MD, Ratner N. Mast cells can contribute to axon-glial dissociation and fibrosis in peripheral nerve. Neuron Glia Biol. Aug;3(3):233-44. 2007.

Ling BC, Wu J, Miller SJ, Monk KR, Shamekh R, Rizvi TA, Decourten-Myers G, Vogel KS, DeClue JE, Ratner N. Role for the epidermal growth factor receptor in neurofibromatosis-related peripheral nerve tumorigenesis. Cancer Cell. Jan;7(1):65-75. 2005.

Neruofibroma.
Click to enlarge.

Contact Us

For more information about the lab, contact Nancy Ratner, PhD, at 513-636-9469.
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