Growth Mechanisms of Schwann Cell Tumors in NF2
Abstract
Patients with Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) develop multiple schwannomas that can cause significant morbidity and mortality and 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, our hypothesis is that additional genetic or epigenetic events are required for the development of frank, symptomatic schwannomas. The purpose of this study is to identify with oligonucleotide expression microarray analysis, the growth-associated factors that drive the growth of symptomatic schwannomas. We collected and histologically examined tissues from 4 NF2 autopsies and identified specimens as schwannomas, tumorlets and normal peripheral nerves. RNA was extracted, amplified and checked from representative samples from each autopsy. The two autopsies with the superior RNA quality (as judged by Agilent Bioanalyzer system) were used for the microarray study. Laser captured tissues (to ensure the exclusion of adjacent normal tissues) of 7 schwannomas, 8 tumorlets and 2 nerves from these 2 autopsies were hybridized on Affymetrix U133 chips. Lists of differentially expressed genes in the tumorlets and schwannomas were compiled using multiple software programs and multiple analysis methods. Validation by RT PCR and immunohistochemistry is ongoing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA431976
Entities
People
- Anat O. Stemmer-rachamimov
Organizations
- Massachusetts General Hospital