Steroid Hormones in NF1 Tumorigenesis
Abstract
NFl is characterized by benign Schwann cell tumors called neurofibromas; complex forms can become malignant. Steroid hormones are implicated in cancer, but little is known about these in NFl. The growth response of NFl tumor Schwann cells to estrogen and progesterone will be characterized. The hypothesis is that human neurofibroma (and/or MPNST) Schwann cells have increased hormone response compared to normal Schwann cells, leading to tumor growth. Specific Aim 1 will determine steroid hormone receptor expression in human normal, NFl neurofibroma and MPNST Schwann cells. Real-time PCR has shown low levels of these receptor transcripts in untreated normal and tumor cells, with very little change in the tumors (much less than 2-fold) . Interestingly, 2 tumors from one patient had very similar results. Initial protein experiments suggest that the basal receptor levels are very low. Specific Aim 2 will test the in vitro response of tumor cells to hormones. The proliferation assay conditions have been refined and applied to normal human and rat Schwann cells, as well as an MPNST line so far (which showed no proliferative response) Specific Aim 3 involves in vivo hormone response of human tumor cells explanted into a mouse nerve; these experiments have just begun.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA411283
Entities
People
- David Muir
- Margaret R. Wallace
- Martha Campbell-thompson
Organizations
- University of Florida