Abstract

Neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) is multisystemic disease characterized by pigmentary skin changes, increased susceptibility to tumor formation, neurological deficits and skeletal defects. The disease is a monogenic, autosomal dominant disorder, caused by the presence of mutations in the NF1 gene encoding neurofibromin – a multifunctional regulatory protein. The basic function of neurofibromin protein is modulation of the RAS protein activity necessary for regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation by the RAS/MAPK and RAS/PI3K/AKT signal transduction pathways. In addition, neurofibromin is a regulator of adenylate cyclase activity and therefore may interfere with signaling by the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway that regulates cell cycle progression or learning and memory formation processes. Neurofibromin also interacts with many other proteins that are engaged in intracellular transport (tubulin, kinesin), actin cytoskeleton rearrangements (LIMK2, Rho and Rac) or morphogenesis of neural cells (syndecans, CRMP proteins). The activity of neurofibromin is strictly regulated by the expression of different NF1 mRNA isoforms depending on tissue type or period in organism development, the protein localization, posttranslational modifications (phosphorylation, ubiquitination) or interactions with other proteins (e.g. 14-3-3). The fact that neurofibromin is engaged in many cellular processes has significant consequences when the proper protein functioning is impaired due to decreased protein level or activity. It affects the normal cell function and results in disturbances of organism development that lead to the occurrence of clinical signs specific for NF1. In the article, the basic neurofibromin functions are presented in the context of the molecular pathogenesis of NF1.

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