Pathology Hiding in Plain Sight: The NF1 Plasma Membrane

Abstract

The passive voice and the active voice: for example, is it a matter of “at” or “to?” The NF1 gene product, neurofibromin (Nfn), in its interaction with the oncoprotein, Ras, does something to the cell’s plasma membrane (PM); the reactions in question do not merely happen at the cell’s PM. Moreover, what the Nfn does to the PM in NF1 cells has been seriously underestimated because of yet another perspective issue. The vast majority of publications on the membrane-bound interaction of Nfn and Ras have been from the perspective that, first and foremost – if not exclusively – the NF1 gene is considered a “tumor suppressor gene.” This is rather narrow, respecting the ancient origin and very highly conserved nature of the NF1 alphabetical code, and the intuitive understanding that the vast majority of eukaryotic species are not at risk for tumors or cancer.