Neurofibromatosis-2 (NF2) is a dominantly inherited disease that results in the formation of a wide range of tumors in the nervous system and associated glial tissues. Recent studies have shown that the product of the NF2 tumor-suppressor gene is a novel member of the 4.1 protein superfamily called merlin. Functionally, many of these proteins appear to serve as connections between the cytoskeleton and cell membrane. While the identification of NF2/merlin as a member of the protein 4.1 superfamily has been of great interest, it has not yet led to a specific hypothesis regarding its cellular function or its role in tumor suppression. A Drosophila merlin homologue (Dmerlin) has been cloned and sequenced. The overall goal of this proposal is to use the strengths of the Drosophila system to identify the functions and interacting partners of merlin. Specifically, l plan to conduct (1) a structure/function analysis of Dmerlin and (2) perform screens to identify functionally and physically associated genes.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32NS010224-02
Application #
2609541
Study Section
Neurology C Study Section (NEUC)
Program Officer
Small, Judy A
Project Start
1997-12-01
Project End
Budget Start
1997-12-01
Budget End
1998-11-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Duke University
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
071723621
City
Durham
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27705