Utilization of a NF2-Mutant Mouse Strain to Investigate the Cellular and Molecular Function of the NF2 Tumor Suppressor, Merlin

Abstract

Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a familial cancer syndrome that features the development of nervous system tumors. The NF2-encoded protein, merlin, localizes to the membrane:cytoskeleton interface, raising the intriguing question of how a protein that occupies such a physical niche controls cell proliferation. To generate an animal model for NF2 and to build the foundation for delineating the molecular function of merlin, we established a Nf2-mutant mouse strain through genetic engineerins. Nf2+/- mice develop a spectrum of tumors that is distinct from that of their human counterparts, including osteosarcomas and hepatocellular carcinomas, which exhibit loss of the wild-type Nf2 allele.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2001
Accession Number
ADA399194

Entities

People

  • Andrea I McClatchey

Organizations

  • Massachusetts General Hospital

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Cell Line
  • Cell Physiological Processes
  • Cells
  • Cellular Structures
  • Epithelial Cells
  • Genes
  • Genetic Phenomena
  • Genetics
  • Health Services
  • Membranes
  • Mutations
  • Neoplasms
  • Suppressors

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • Neurological Diseases/Conditions/Disorders

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology