Neurofibromin regulates G protein-stimulated adenylyl cyclase activity

Nat Neurosci. 2002 Feb;5(2):95-6. doi: 10.1038/nn792.

Abstract

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a dominant genetic disorder characterized by multiple benign and malignant nervous system tumors, and by learning defects in 45% of children with NF1 mutations. Studies of neurofibromin, the protein encoded by NF1, have focused on its functions in tumorigenesis and regulation of Ras activity; however, Drosophila NF1 regulates both Ras and cyclic AMP (cAMP) pathways. Expression of a human NF1 transgene rescued cAMP-related phenotypes in NF1 mutant flies (small body size and G protein-stimulated adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity defects), and neuropeptide- and G protein-stimulated AC activity were lower in Nf1-/- as compared to Nf1+/- mouse brains, demonstrating that neurofibromin regulates AC activity in both mammals and flies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adenylyl Cyclases / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Drosophila
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / physiology*
  • Genes, Neurofibromatosis 1 / physiology
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout / genetics
  • Mutation / physiology
  • Neurofibromin 1 / genetics
  • Neurofibromin 1 / physiology*
  • Transgenes / physiology

Substances

  • Neurofibromin 1
  • GTP-Binding Proteins
  • Adenylyl Cyclases