The Role of the Stem Cell Factor/c-kit Complex in Neurofibromatosis.
Abstract
Two conditions of Schwann cell hyperplasia occur at an increased rate of incidence in NF1 patients: neurofibromas and malignant Schwannomas. From the funded research, the expression of stem cell factor (SCF) isoforms and of Kit, the SCF receptor, in neurofibroma lesions and in 4 malignant Schwannoma lines was determined. Each of the four human malignant schwannoma lines tested using an RNase protection assay (RPA) expresses the exon 6-lacking (membrane-associated) isoform of SCF exclusively, while the majority of human fibroblast sources express mostly the soluble isoform. Analysis of RNA extracted from neurofibroma tissue revealed expression of primarily the soluble isoform of SCF by this mixed population of cells. Kit expression by malignant Schwannoma lines was indicated by immunofluorescent staining with subsequent analysis by confocal fluorescent imaging, immunoprecipitation, and western blotting.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1996
- Accession Number
- ADA324404
Entities
People
- Thomas Huff
Organizations
- Virginia Commonwealth University