Researchers have identified the cells responsible for neurofibromatosis type1, a genetic disease characterized by changes in skin coloring (pigmentation) and the growth of tumors along nerves in the skin, brain, and other parts of the body.

Researchers have long wondered which of the body's cell types triggers the formation of neurofibromas: Is it the Schwann cells, which form the protective myelin sheath around nerve fibers, or is the true culprit the stem cells that give rise to Schwann cells during fetal development? The answer has implications for the development of drug therapies.

The two U-M studies demonstrate that a special type of Schwann cell is likely to blame, not stem cells. Both reports will be published Feb. 5 in the journal Cancer Cell.

These findings may pave the way to dscovering novel therapies to prevent or treat neurofibromatosis type1.

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