Electrophysiological Changes in NF1
Abstract
An important component of Schwann cell (SC) physiology, which has remained relatively unknown in NF1, is the electrophysiology of affected cells and the relationship of ion currents to development and maintenance of the NF1 SC phenotype. We are studying the relationship between a K channel current, functionally expressed in NF1 SC (Fieber 1998; this report), and SC proliferation. Ion channels are membrane proteins that mediate electrical communication between cells of the nervous system and are vital to nervous system function. This K channel is opened in response to depolarizations of the cell membrane, which could occur in myelinating SC via excitatory discharge of the SC- ensheathed axon. There is evidence that suggests that these K currents are directly related to the proliferative capacity of many cell types and have a relationship to well characterized second messenger pathways that play a role in the cell cycle during development (Konishi 1990) and the development of certain disease states. By studying the K currents of NFl SC and their relationships to 1) growth factors found to be abnormally expressed in human NF1 SC, 2) known second messengers that can be measured or manipulated, and 3) proliferation, and by making relevant comparisons to these features in normal SC, we hope to provide insights about the tumorigenic process in NFl. The purpose of this study is to examine the inter-relationships between K channels, ras, and neurofibromin in SC proliferation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA396925
Entities
People
- Lynne A. Fieber
Organizations
- University of Miami