How NF1 can trigger pain even before tumors form (IMAGE)

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

How NF1 can trigger pain even before tumors form

Caption

Using a mouse model in which the NF1 gene was deleted in Schwann cells, investigators from Cincinnati Children's found that those cells were the main source of excess GDNF. The protein acted through a receptor called GFRα1 on pain-sensing nerve fibers, helping drive mechanical hypersensitivity.

Credit

Cincinnati Children's

Usage Restrictions

none

License

Original content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.