AUTHOR=Ricker Cora A. , Pan Yuan , Gutmann David H. , Keller Charles 

TITLE=Challenges in Drug Discovery for Neurofibromatosis Type 1-Associated Low-Grade Glioma

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Oncology

VOLUME=6

YEAR=2016

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2016.00259

DOI=10.3389/fonc.2016.00259

ISSN=2234-943X

ABSTRACT=<p>Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant disorder that results from germline mutations of the <italic>NF1</italic> gene, creating a predisposition to low-grade gliomas (LGGs; pilocytic astrocytoma) in young children. Insufficient data and resources represent major challenges to identifying the best possible drug therapies for children with this tumor. Herein, we summarize the currently available cell lines, genetically engineered mouse models, and therapeutic targets for these LGGs. Conspicuously absent are human tumor-derived cell lines or patient-derived xenograft models for NF1-LGG. New collaborative initiatives between patients and their families, research groups, and pharmaceutical companies are needed to create transformative resources and broaden the knowledge base relevant to identifying cooperating genetic drivers and possible drug therapeutics for this common pediatric brain tumor.</p>