Neurofibromas, which are benign Schwann cell tumors, are the hallmark feature in the
autosomal dominant condition neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) and are associated with biallelic
loss of NF1 gene function. There is a need for effective therapies for neurofibromas,
particularly the larger, plexiform neurofibromas. Tissue culture is an important tool for
research. However, it is difficult to derive enriched human Schwann cell cultures, and most
enter replicative senescence after 6–10 passages, impeding cell-based research in NF1 …