NF1 Neuronal Genotype-Phenotype Relationships

Abstract

This project examines pathogenic NF1 missense mutations. We have modeled these mutations in Drosophila transgenes in order to investigate their molecular and cellular consequences in vivo. We have examined their ability to rescue Ras signaling in neurons in Drosophila deficient for endogenous NF1. Further, we have assessed their ability to rescue NF1 mutant developmental and adult-specific defects, including organismal growth, climbing ability and sleep/circadian behaviors. These assays have identified previously unexplored regions of the neurofibromin protein that are required for correct function in Drosophila. We will use these insights for subsequent CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to model specific missense mutations of interest and examine their functional consequences in derived neurons.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2017
Accession Number
AD1050350

Entities

People

  • James A. Walker

Organizations

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Amino Acids
  • Biomedical Research
  • Cancer
  • Cell Line
  • Cells
  • Climbing
  • Data Analysis
  • Diptera
  • Diseases And Disorders
  • Dna Sequence Analysis
  • Drosophila
  • Embryos
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genetics
  • Health Services
  • Learning
  • Massachusetts
  • Medical Personnel
  • Mutations
  • Neoplasms
  • Neuromuscular Diseases
  • Peripheral Nervous System
  • Proteins
  • Standards
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Stem Cells
  • Therapy
  • Universities

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Molecular and Cellular Biology

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology