Steroid Hormones in NF1 Tumorigenesis
Abstract
NFl is characterized by benign Schwann cell tumors called neurofibromas; complex forms can become malignant (MPNST). Little is known about involvement of steroid hormones in %Fl tumors. This work will examine the role of estrogen and progesterone in NFl tumors, to test the hypothesis that human neurofibroma (and/or MPNST) Schwann cells have increased growth or decreased apoptosis related to steroid hormones. Specific Aim 1 is examining steroid hormone receptor expression in human normal, NFl neurofibroma and MPNST Schwann cells. Real-time PCR shows very low levels of these receptor transcripts in untreated normal and tumor cells, with very little change in the tumors (less than 2-fold). There is no detectable estrogen receptor in normal Schwann cells or NFl tumors by immunohistochemistry (IHC). However, IHC assay for progesterone receptor was weakly positive in 33% of neurofibromas. Specific Aim 2 is testing in vitro response of tumor cells to hormones. RT-PCR, proliferation assays, and apoptosis assays have thus far shown very few significant responses of the neurofibroma/MPNST Schwann cell cultures to hormones or antagonists. Specific Aim 3 tests in vivo hormone response of human tumor cells xenografted into Nfl mouse nerve. Thus far, one MPNST has shown a dramatic effect with estrogen, with other cultures still under analysis but not showing such obvious results.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA420848
Entities
People
- Margaret R. Wallace
Organizations
- University of Florida