Modifying Genes in Neurofibromatosis 1

Thanks to the investigators previous study the investigators demonstrated the influence of modifying genes in the phenotypic expression of neurofibromatosis 1 (Hum Mol Genet. 2009; 18 (15) :2768-78). Indeed, analysis of the intra-and inter-family variability performed using the investigators phenotype/genotype database demonstrated a strong genetic component for most clinical features. The investigators results suggest the involvement of genetic factors, not related to the NF1 gene, the modifiers. The objective of this project is to identify the modifiers involved in the variability of clinical expression of NF1. The investigators will focus in particular variants involved in the development and progression of neurofibromas.