Description: The UCF Center for Success of Women Faculty proudly invites you to a presentation in our “Successful Women Seminar Series”. Dr. Cristina Fernandez-Valle, Professor, Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine. “Searching for Drugs to Treat Neurofibromatosis Type 2 ” Neurofibromatosis Type 2, or simply NF2, is a disorder that causes tumors to repeatedly form on nerves in the body and brain. NF2 is caused by mutations in the NF2 gene that encodes a tumor suppressor protein called merlin. NF2 mutations can be inherited from parents but often occur in children with no family history of NF2. The tumors, called schwannomas derive from Schwann cells, the cells that make the insulating myelin sheath in nerves. My research for years has focused on understanding how NF2 mutations cause Schwann cells to develop into tumors. More recently, I have turned my attention to looking for drugs and drug targets that can be developed into a therapy for NF2. In the seminar, I will discuss the disease and my strategy for identifying potential drugs for treating those with NF2. I will also discuss strategies for attracting funding and staying funded in these competitive times. Website: http://womenfaculty.afia.ucf.edu/ Contact: Fran Ragsdale Phone Number: 407-823-4240 Email: fran.ragsdale@ucf.edu