Ratner Lab
Identification of Molecular and Cellular Contributions to Neurofibroma Formation and Growth: The role of Schwann cells

Identification of Molecular and Cellular Contributions to Neurofibroma Formation and Growth: The role of Schwann cells

Neurofibromas are benign tumors of the peripheral nerves, strongly associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) syndrome. In NF1, both copies of the NF1 gene in Schwann cells (SC) lose their function to regulate the Ras family of oncogenic proteins. In these cases, tumorigenesis and disruptions between SC and the neuron may occur. In Dr. Nancy Ratner’s previous research, her team created mouse models, including one that showed neuron-SC disruption and a second that displayed both neuron-SC disruption and dermal and plexiform neurofibroma formation.

Related Publications

Rice FL, Houk G, Wymer JP, Gosline SJC, Guinney J, Wu J5, Ratner N, Jankowski MP, La Rosa S, Dockum M, Storey JR, Carroll SL, Albrecht PJ, Riccardi VM. The evolution and multi-molecular properties of NF1 cutaneous neurofibromas originating from C-fiber sensory endings and terminal Schwann cells at normal sites of sensory terminations in the skin. PLoS One. 2019 May 20;14(5):e0216527.

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. 2008 Dec 4;3(6):658-69

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. 2008 Feb;13(2):105-16.

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. 2007 Aug;3(3):233-44.

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. 2005 Jan;7(1):65-75.

Identification of Molecular and Cellular Contributions to Neurofibroma Formation and Growth: The role of Schwann cells
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For more information about the lab, contact Nancy Ratner, PhD, at 513-636-9469.
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