Accession Number:

ADA399194

Title:

Utilization of a NF2-Mutant Mouse Strain to Investigate the Cellular and Molecular Function of the NF2 Tumor Suppressor, Merlin

Descriptive Note:

Annual rept. 15 Sep 2000-14 Sep 2001

Corporate Author:

MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL BOSTON

Personal Author(s):

• McClatchey, Andrea I.

Report Date:

2001-10-01

Pagination or Media Count:

18.0

Abstract:

Neurofibromatosis type 2 NF2 is a familial cancer syndrome that features the development of nervous system tumors. The NF2-encoded protein, merlin, localizes to the membranecytoskeleton interface, raising the intriguing question of how a protein that occupies such a physical niche controls cell proliferation. To generate an animal model for NF2 and to build the foundation for delineating the molecular function of merlin, we established a Nf2-mutant mouse strain through genetic engineerins. Nf2- mice develop a spectrum of tumors that is distinct from that of their human counterparts, including osteosarcomas and hepatocellular carcinomas, which exhibit loss of the wild-type Nf2 allele.

Descriptors:

• *CELLS(BIOLOGY)
• FIBERS
• MEMBRANES(BIOLOGY)
• PROTEINS
• MUTATIONS
• NERVOUS SYSTEM
• GENETIC ENGINEERING
• EMBRYOS
• CANCER
• CELL STRUCTURE
• CYTOLOGY

Subject Categories:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Medicine and Medical Research

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE