A fraction of neurofibromin interacts with PML bodies in the nucleus of the CCF astrocytoma cell line

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a common genetic disease that causes nervous system tumors, and cognitive deficits. It is due to mutations within the NF1 gene, which encodes the Nf1 protein. Nf1 has been shown to be involved in the regulation of Ras, cAMP and actin cytoskeleton dynamics. In this study, using immunofluorescence experiments, we have shown a partial nuclear localization of Nf1 in the astrocytoma cell line: CCF and we have demonstrated that Nf1 partially colocalizes with PML (promyelocytic leukemia) nuclear bodies. A direct interaction between Nf1 and the multiprotein complex has further been demonstrated using “in situ” proximity ligation assay (PLA).

► We validate the use of specific anti-Nf1 antibodies for immunofluorescence studies.
► We detect Nf1 in the cytoplasm and nucleus of CCF cells.
► We demonstrate that Nf1 partially colocalizes with PML nuclear bodies.
► We demonstrate that there is a direct interaction between a fraction of Nf1 and the PML bodies.