METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF PROLIFERATIVE DISORDERS

摘要

The present invention identifies expression markers associated with neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) by examining gene expression in tissue from lesions from neurofibromas, plexiform neurofibromas and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST). The present invention also provides for diagnostic markers as well as markers that can be used to monitor disease states, disease progression, drug toxicity, drug efficacy and drug metabolism. The present invention relates to novel, rapid, reliable and effective assays for screening and identifying pharmaceutically effective compounds that act as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of a proliferative disorder. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating a patient with neurofibromatosis and/or MPNST, comprising administering to the patient a pharmaceutical composition, wherein the composition alters the expression of at least one gene related to the NF1-Ras pathway.