Stem Cell Biology Training Grant Trainees

MD/PhD dual-degree program, PhD in Integrative Biology & Physiology
Advisor: Angela Panoskaltsis-Mortari, PhD

PhD student, Biomedical Engineering
Advisor: Brenda Ogle, PhD

PhD student, Comparative Molecular Biosciences, Dept. of Pediatrics
Advisor: David Largaespada, PhD

The genetic tumor predisposition syndrome Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) results from the inheritance of a mutant copy of NF1, a Ras-GAP tumor suppressor gene. Loss of the remaining wild-type allele in Schwann lineage cells leads to hyperactive Ras signaling, cell proliferation, and the formation of benign plexiform neurofibromas. These benign tumors can progress to lethal malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). Although NF1 and other mutations have been associated with MPNST formation, their temporal dependence during Schwann cell development using a human cell model has not been studied. I aim to develop a model of induced MPNSTs (iMPNSTs) for a better understanding of the timing at which these mutations occur during Schwann cell development to result in MPNST formation.