Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

An Orthotopic Sciatic Nerve Xenograft for Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Neurofibromas
Published on: October 10, 2025
Neurofibromin signaling and synapses
1Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, 128, Sce. 2, Academia Rd, Taipei, 115, Taiwan, Republic of China. yph@gate.sinica.edu.tw
Abstract:
Neurofibromin, encoded by the Neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) gene, has been shown to regulate the Ras and cAMP signaling pathways. The signaling functions of neurofibromin may account for tumor formation in patients with NF1, as well as influencing neuronal function. Learning defects have been documented in NF1 mutant mice, and in NF1 patients, learning disabilities are common. In this review, the recent studies related to the role of neurofibromin in neuronal morphogenesis will be discussed, which may partly explain why the patients with NF1 have learning defects.
Related Concept Videos
Synaptic Signaling
Most synapses are chemical, meaning an electrical impulse or action potential spurs the release of chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. The neuron sending the signal is called the presynaptic neuron, and the neuron receiving the signal is the postsynaptic neuron.
The presynaptic neuron fires an action potential that...
Synaptic Signaling
Enzyme-linked Receptors
Neurotrophin (NT) receptors are a family of RTKs, including trkA, trkB, and trkC (tropomyosin-related kinase) receptors. TrkA is specific for nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-6, and neurotrophin-7. TrkB binds...
The Synapse
Microtubules in Signaling
NF-kB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...

