Neurofibromin 2 mRNA (NF2 mRNA)

Neurofibromin 2 (NF2) mRNA is the transcript of the NF2 gene, which encodes the tumor suppressor protein Merlin, also known as Schwannomin (UniProt P35240). Merlin is a member of the ERM (Ezrin-Radixin-Moesin) family and functions by linking the actin cytoskeleton to cell-surface glycoproteins, thereby regulating cell-cell adhesion and contact-dependent growth inhibition (NCBI Gene 4771). It is a critical regulator of the Hippo signaling pathway and modulates other key pathways including mTOR, Ras/MAPK, and Wnt/beta-catenin to suppress oncogenic transformation (PMID: 30217974). Mutations in the NF2 gene lead to a loss of functional Merlin, which is the primary cause of Neurofibromatosis type 2, a genetic disorder characterized by the development of bilateral vestibular schwannomas and other nervous system tumors. As a therapeutic target, NF2 mRNA is the focus of mRNA replacement strategies aimed at restoring Merlin function in deficient cells to arrest tumor progression. Current research explores the use of lipid nanoparticles or viral vectors to deliver functional NF2 mRNA, offering a potential systemic treatment for patients with NF2-related tumors who currently have limited therapeutic options (PMID: 33531435).

Other names

Merlin mRNASchwannomin mRNANeurofibromatosis type 2 mRNA transcript

Restoration of functional Merlin protein expression through the delivery of exogenous mRNA transcripts or modulation of endogenous splicing to correct genetic deficiencies (PMID: 33531435, PMID: 28916061).