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Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and NF2-Related Schwannomatosis: Advances from Basic Research to Current Therapies

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Neurobiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2026 | Viewed by 1593

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
Interests: Hutchinson–Gilford Progeria syndrome; anti-aging process; laminopathies; antitumor process
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
Department of Molecular Biology, College of Natural Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
Interests: NF2; NF2-related schwannomatosis; Merlin; YAP; Yes-associated protein 1; RKIP; Raf kinase inhibitory protein; PPI; protein–protein interaction

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and NF2-related schwannomatosis are rare genetic tumor predisposition syndromes characterized by multiple benign and occasionally malignant tumors of the nervous system. NF1 is caused by pathogenic variants in the NF1 gene encoding neurofibromin, leading to dysregulated RAS/MAPK signaling, while NF2-related schwannomatosis results from NF2 gene mutations affecting the tumor suppressor merlin. These disorders present with diverse clinical features, including cutaneous neurofibromas, plexiform neurofibromas, vestibular schwannomas, meningiomas, and ependymomas, often causing neurological deficits and reduced quality of life. Although recent advances, such as MEK inhibitors for NF1-related plexiform neurofibromas and bevacizumab for NF2-related vestibular schwannomas, have improved management, curative therapies remain elusive. This Special Issue will cover recent progress from basic molecular mechanisms to translational and clinical studies, including novel therapeutic strategies, preclinical models, biomarker discovery, surgical and nonsurgical interventions, genotype–phenotype correlations, and the development of targeted drugs. Our aim is to foster a deeper understanding and improved treatment of these challenging disorders.

Prof. Dr. Bumjoon Park
Dr. Baehoon Kim
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)
  • neurofibromin
  • RAS/MAPK pathway
  • malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST)
  • NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2 syndrome)
  • Merlin (Schwannomin)
  • vestibular schwannoma
  • meningioma
  • ependymoma

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 1960 KB  
Article
Fimepinostat Promotes Apoptosis and Decreases Cytokine Secretion in NF2-Related Human Schwannoma Cells
by Anna Nagel, Ethan W. Hass, Hollie Hayes, Lenna Huelbes, Sofia Oliveira, Haley M. Hardin, Mikhail Marasigan, Eric Nisenbaum, Carly Misztal, Fred F. Telischi, Michael E. Ivan, Xue-Zhong Liu, Olena R. Bracho, Christine T. Dinh and Cristina Fernandez-Valle
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(6), 2636; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27062636 - 13 Mar 2026
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Abstract
There is no approved drug therapy for schwannomas associated with NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2-SWN). Neither life-saving surgical resection or radiation are curative and can compound the debilitating neurological effects of the schwannomas. We previously identified fimepinostat, a dual histone deacetylase (HDAC)/phosphoinositide-3 [...] Read more.
There is no approved drug therapy for schwannomas associated with NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2-SWN). Neither life-saving surgical resection or radiation are curative and can compound the debilitating neurological effects of the schwannomas. We previously identified fimepinostat, a dual histone deacetylase (HDAC)/phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, as a promising drug candidate with pro-apoptotic effects on NF2-related schwannomas. This preclinical study used the pharmaceutical formulation of fimepinostat to confirm its efficacy in schwannomas and identify pro-apoptotic signaling pathways. Fimepinostat was tested in human schwannoma model cells, patient-derived primary vestibular and non-vestibular schwannoma cells, and in a sciatic nerve allograft model. The signaling pathways leading to caspase-3-dependent apoptosis were elucidated using immune assays, flow cytometry, imaging, proteome, and acetylome analysis. Acute exposure to fimepinostat led to p21-dependent cell cycle inhibition, upregulation of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 2 (TRAIL R2), and downregulation of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1), Yes-associated protein (YAP), and inhibitors of apoptosis. Moreover, fimepinostat downregulated cytokine and chemokine secretion increased by merlin loss in schwannoma cells. Fimepinostat is a promising new drug intervention for NF2-SWN patients with the potential to promote tumor regression. Full article
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13 pages, 1219 KB  
Perspective
Emerging Molecular Insights and Therapeutic Directions in Neurofibromatosis Type 1 and NF2-Related Schwannomatosis
by Soyoung Park, Tae-Gyun Woo, So-mi Kang, Bae-Hoon Kim and Bum-Joon Park
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(6), 2867; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27062867 - 22 Mar 2026
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Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2-SWN) are major genetic tumor predisposition syndromes characterized by progressive, often debilitating neoplasms of the peripheral and central nervous systems. Over the past five years, substantial advances in molecular genetics, signaling biology, and targeted therapeutic development [...] Read more.
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and NF2-related schwannomatosis (NF2-SWN) are major genetic tumor predisposition syndromes characterized by progressive, often debilitating neoplasms of the peripheral and central nervous systems. Over the past five years, substantial advances in molecular genetics, signaling biology, and targeted therapeutic development have reshaped diagnostic and management paradigms for both disorders. This Perspective synthesizes recent developments, including gene-based reclassification, emergence of MEK inhibitor therapy in NF1, renewed evaluation of bevacizumab and kinase-pathway inhibitor brigatinib, the discovery of a novel TβR1-RKIP pathogenic axis, and a brain-penetrant HDAC inhibitor in NF2-SWN. These insights highlight a shift toward precision-medicine strategies and mechanistically driven therapies poised to redefine future clinical care. Full article
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