Ras-Independent Function of NF1
Abstract
The RasGAP domain only accounts for a small fraction of the NF1 sequence and many evidence suggest that NF1 is involved in other cellular functions besides inactivating Ras. Our NF1 epidermal knockout mice provide us a unique model system to understand the relevance of the Ras pathway and of other pathways in relation to the NF1 gene. To identify Ras-independent pathways of NF1, we analyzed the NF1 protein complex formed in the mouse keratinocytes by immunoprecipitation followed by Mass Spectrometry analysis. We identified 22 novel NF1 interacting proteins which can be grouped to 7 categories. Unfortunately we didn t identify any protein with obvious function in differentiation and inflammation, but we found some proteins involved in neuron development, Ras signaling and skin diseases. After analyzing four different stages of differentiation, we conclude that NF1 involves in keratinocyte migration and the initiation of differentiation in epidermis. Furthermore, knockout NF1 in epidermis results in increased inflammatory responses in old mice indicating that the loss of NF1 contributes to inflammatory response but a second factor such as age is required to fulfill this process. Moreover, the skin disease we observed in those mice is psoriasis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA584030
Entities
People
- Fei Du
Organizations
- University of California, San Diego