Electrophysiological Changes in NF1

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the inter-relationships between K channels, ras, and neurofibromin in Schwann cell (SC) proliferation. This study will aid our understand of how mutant neurofibromin contributes to the tumorigenic process. Preliminary data on K currents of SC from a cutaneous neurofibroma raise the possibility that neurofibroma SC ion channels are not physiologically abnormal or that the ion channel phenotypes of normal, neurofibroma-derived and neurofibrosarcoma-derived SC represent a continuum that requires closer observation for differences between normal and neurofibroma-derived SC. The neurofibrosarcoma cell line T265 had tumored K currents like those of 3 other neurofibro-sarcoma-derived cell lines. T265 cells have proved useful in beginning experiments to understand the role of K channels in SC proliferation. TEA analogs applied for 41-69 hrs' continuous exposure to T265 cells block K channels, block proliferation, and decrease resting potentials. The link between K channels and proliferation has been suggested for SC and other cell types, but is not clear how this link functions. NFl tumored SC cultures, which span a continuum of non-malignant, non- or slowly-proliferating phenotypes to proliferating, malignant phenotypes, and to which normal cultured SC can be compared, represent a unique and relevant model for understanding the role of K channels in proliferation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2000
Accession Number
ADA387882

Entities

People

  • Lynne A. Fieber

Organizations

  • University of Miami

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biology
  • Cell Line
  • Cells
  • Culture Techniques
  • Fish
  • Genetics
  • Growth Factors
  • Health Services
  • Ionic Current
  • Medical Personnel
  • Neoplasms
  • Nervous System
  • Neurofibromatosis
  • Neuromuscular Diseases
  • Observation
  • Peripheral Nervous System
  • Phenotypes

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Molecular Biology and Genetics
  • Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • Urban Planning and Geography.