Neurofibromatosis (NF) Center

Visit the NF Clinic or Dr. Gutmann Laboratory here.

The NF Center was established to position Washington University as an international leader in NF basic and clinical research as well as to serve as a beacon for "bench to bedside" research in NF and related nervous system tumors.

Using a team approach to gain a complete understanding of the complexities of NF, the mission of the Washington University NF Center is focused on:

• Promoting pioneering laboratory research aimed at understanding the roles of the NF genes in health and disease
• Facilitating collaborative interdisciplinary basic science and clinical research in NF
• Translating innovative scientific discoveries to improved care for individuals with NF

The Comprehensive NF Center at Washington University is composed of clinicians and laboratory scientists focused on accelerating the pace of scientific discovery and its application to the care of individuals with NF. Their mission is to galvanize and promote research on NF, achieving significant breakthroughs in the diagnosis and treatment of nervous system tumors and establishing Washington University as an international beacon for NF research. A cross-disciplinary endeavor, the center eliminates obstacles to research and establishes a framework for innovative scientific collaboration among investigators using cutting-edge research and medical technologies. The center also provides advanced care for people with NF.

Neurofibromatosis Defined

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a set of complex genetic disorders that affects almost every organ system, causing a predisposition for tumors to grow on nerves in the brain and throughout the body. In addition, NF can lead to problems including:

DEVELOPMENT: learning disabilities, poor school performance, hyperactivity/attention deficit
BRAIN: brain tumors, vision loss, seizures, paralysis, headaches
NERVES: nerve tumors, weakness, pain
EARS: loss of hearing and balance
BONE: scoliosis and bone deformities
HEART: valve defects, abnormalities of the arteries
SKIN: pigmentary abnormalities, particularly café-au-lait spots

Of the two types of NF that have been identified, Type 1 (NF1) is among the world's most common genetic disorders, occurring in about one of every 3,000 births. That makes it more widespread than cystic fibrosis, hereditary muscular dystrophy, Huntington's disease and Tay Sachs combined. Diagnosed most often in children and young adults, NF1 occurs worldwide and in all races, ethnic groups and both genders. NF1 can appear in any family.