The University of Toledo Translation Journal of Medical Sciences 
Haematology and Oncology Abstract, Department of Medicine Research Symposium UTJMS 2023 May 5; 11(1):e1-e1 

NF1 in Solid Tumors: The Unknown Soldier of Tumor 
Suppressor Genes 

Rayna Patel1*, Leslie L. Lin1, Khalil Choucair1 

1Division of Haematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University 
of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614

*Corresponding author: Rayna.patel@rockets.utoledo.edu

Published: 05 May 2023 

Many of the altered properties of cancer cells are attributed to inactivation of normal cellular regulatory 
genes that suppress uncontrolled proliferation, evasion of apoptosis, metastasis and tumorigenesis. Loss 
of tumor suppressor genes (TSG) is crucial for cancer development, along with gain-of-function 
alterations in proto-oncogenes. NF1 is a TSG well-known in association with Neurofibromatosis type 1 
(NF1) syndrome. However, the role of NF1 mutation in cancer has not been extensively studied, unlike 
other TSGs such as retinoblastoma (Rb), p53, Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC), or Phosphatase and 
Tensin Homolog (PTEN). Here we will discuss the molecular role of NF1 in cancer development and 
cancer-related cellular signaling. We also review studies that have assessed the prevalence of NF1 
mutations and loss-of-function across different solid tumors, and focus on their role in mediating 
malignant transformation, and modulating response to therapy. This sheds light on the challenges that 
have hindered a better understanding of NF1’s role in cancer development, and discusses the prospect of 
NF1 as a biomarker for targeted therapies. 

https://dx.doi.org/10.46570/utjms.vol11-2023-741 

https://dx.doi.org/10.46570/utjms.vol11-2023-741
mailto:Rayna.patel@rockets.utoledo.edu