Growth Mechanisms of Schwann Cell Tumors in NF2
Abstract
Patients with Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) are affected by multiple schwannomas that can cause significant morbidity and mortality. NF2 patients also develop numerous, small, neoplastic Schwann cell tumorlets in the cauda equina that do not grow and are clinically silent. Since NF2 gene inactivation has been shown to occur in both tumorlets and schwannomas, additional genetic or epigenetic events are required for frank, symptomatic schwannomas to develop The purpose of this study is to find the specific growth-associated factors that drive the progression of some Schwann cell tumorlets to become symptomatic schwannomas, by using oligonucleotide expression array analysis. For this purpose, we have collected frozen specimens including schwannomas, tumorlets and normal peripheral nerves from three NF2 patients. Because optimal RNA quality is of paramount importance for this type of study, we have focused on the development of suitable standardized protocols for the processing, staining and laser capture procedures. In addition we have optimized our protocols for RNA extraction and amplification from laser captured tissue and analyzed the tissues banked for RNA quality and quantity by the Agilent Bioanalyzer system. The collected specimens have been histologically examined by frozen sections and laser capturing is ongoing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA407297
Entities
People
- Anat O. Stemmer-rachamimov
Organizations
- Massachusetts General Hospital