Role of cellular prion protein in neurofibromatosis 2 tumor development uncovered

Researchers from the University of Plymouth and Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust (UK) have uncovered the role of cellular prion protein (PrPC) in the development of neurofibromatosis 2 tumors, which may form as part of the hereditary condition neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) or arise sporadically. The results, published recently in Oncogene, demonstrate that overexpression of PrPC, caused by inactivation of the Merlin tumor suppressor protein encoded by the NF2 gene, contributes to tumor growth. These novel research findings could open up new avenues for potential treatment options for NF2, a condition with no targeted drug therapies and that predominantly affects the...