The analysis of NF2 gene mutation in sporadic schwannomas

Objective To analyze the mutation of NF2 gene in sporadic schwannomas and the correlation between mutation and clinical behavior.Methods The NF2 gene mutation in 36 schwannomas were observed by PCR SSCP, and DNA sequence. The proliferative index of schwannoma were detected by immunohistochemistry. Results We found 13 mutations in 36 schwannomas, including 6 deletion or insertion which result in a frameshift, 2 nonsense mutations, 2 missense mutations and 3 alterations affected acceptor or donor splicing sites of E4, E6,E13. The growth index, proliferative index of acoustic neuroma with mutation were higher than those without mutation. Conclusions NF2 gene mutation is a frequent event in the tumorogenesis of schwannomas, and there is some correlation between the mutation and clinical behavior.