<p>The entire coding region of the gene involved in von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis (NF1) and a ubiquitously expressed large transcript (NF1LT) of the gene have been identified, cloned and sequenced. With the identification of the NF1 gene and its gene product, nucleic acid probes and antibodies raised to the gene product can be used in a variety of hybridization and immunological assays to screen for NF1 and detect it in its early stages. Conventional and gene therapies can also be developed to treat those afflicted with the disease.</p>