Angiogenesis and Therapeutic Approaches to NF1 Tumors
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a common genetic disease with a wide variety of features which primarily involve the nervous system and related tissues. NF1 is characterized by abnormal cell growth and a high incidence of neurofibroma, a nerve tumor composed predominantly of Schwann cells. Plexiform neurofibromas often grow very large and are debilitating or fatal to NF1 patients. Thus, there is a serious need for better therapies to manage NF1 tumor growth. To this end, we have developed and exploited two animal models of NF1. The first involves a strain of mice in which the NFl gene was functionally deleted. These NFl knockout mice are a valuable model for examining the biology of NFl tissues both in vivo and in vitro. Secondly, we have cultured tumor cells from human NF1 tumors. These human cell lines form neurofibroma-like tumors when implanted into the mouse nerve, Using these resources and animal models we can examine the formation of NF1 tumors under controlled conditions. The Aims of this proposal are to determine how NF1 tumors induce the formation of new blood vessels and to test therapies to inhibit this process as an means to stop tumor growth.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA437142
Entities
People
- David F. Muir
Organizations
- University of Florida