The Ras pathway is one of the most commonly deregulated pathways in cancer. Mutations in RAS genes, upstream regulators, or downstream effectors occur in the majority of human tumors. One important Ras regulatory gene involved in cancer is the NF1 tumor suppressor, which encodes a Ras GTPase-activating protein (RasGAP). NF1 catalyzes the hydrolysis of Ras-GTP to Ras-GDP and normally terminates Ras signaling. Accordingly, loss-of-function mutations in NF1 result in hyperactivated Ras. NF1 mutations underlie a common familial cancer syndrome neurofibromatosis type I (NF1). More recently, NF1 has been shown to play a role in a variety of sporadic tumors including melanoma, glioblastoma, and lung cancer. However, while the gene was cloned in 1990, surprisingly little is known about how the NF1 protein is normally regulated or functions. In addition, there are no effective therapies for NF1-mutant tumors. In this application we aim to tackle both of these important problems. Specifically, we will 1) determine how the NF1 protein is normally regulated and terminates Ras signaling, 2) deconstruct downstream and converging signaling pathways, and 3) identify broad signaling networks that are deregulated in NF1-mutant tumors. Collectively, these studies should not only reveal novel insight into NF1 and Ras signaling, but will identify key regulators and effectors in NF1-mutant tumors that may ultimately serve as therapeutic targets.

Public Health Relevance

The NF1 tumor suppressor is a Ras regulator that is mutated in a familial cancer syndrome and in a variety of sporadic cancers; however, little is known about how the NF1 protein is normally regulated or functions. Moreover, there are currently no effective therapies for NF1-mutant cancers. The goal of this project is to address both of these questions by identifying upstream regulators, downstream effectors, and converging signaling pathways. These efforts will reveal novel insight into NF1 and Ras signaling, and should also identify potential therapeutic targets in NF1-mutant cancers.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01CA111754-14
Application #
9605012
Study Section
Molecular Oncogenesis Study Section (MONC)
Program Officer
Yassin, Rihab R
Project Start
2005-07-01
Project End
2020-11-30
Budget Start
2018-12-01
Budget End
2019-11-30
Support Year
14
Fiscal Year
2019
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Department
Type
DUNS #
030811269
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02115
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