Open AccessGenetic Events and Signaling Mechanisms Underlying Schwann Cell Fate in Development and Cancer
Author(s) -
Harish N. Vasudevan,
Calixto-Hope Lucas,
Javier E. VillanuevaMeyer,
Philip V. Theodosopoulos,
David R. Raleigh
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
neurosurgery/neurosurgery online
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.455
H-Index - 198
eISSN - 1081-1281
pISSN - 0148-396X
DOI - 10.1093/neuros/nyaa455
Subject(s) - schwann cell , neural crest , neurofibroma , carcinogenesis , neuroscience , embryonic stem cell , cell , medicine , neurofibromatosis , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , cancer research , cancer , pathology , genetics , embryo , gene
In this review, we describe Schwann cell development from embryonic neural crest cells to terminally differentiated myelinated and nonmyelinated mature Schwann cells. We focus on the genetic drivers and signaling mechanisms mediating decisions to proliferate versus differentiate during Schwann cell development, highlighting pathways that overlap with Schwann cell development and are dysregulated in tumorigenesis. We conclude by considering how our knowledge of the events underlying Schwann cell development and mouse models of schwannoma, neurofibroma, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor can inform novel therapeutic strategies for patients with cancers derived from Schwann cell lineages.