Neurofibromatosis Type II (NF2) is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of noncancerous tumors in the nervous system. The most common tumors associated with NF2 are vestibular schwannomas, which develop on the balance and hearing nerves leading from the inner ear to the brain. These tumors can cause hearing loss, balance issues, and other neurological complications. NF2 is caused by mutations in the NF2 gene, which encodes a protein called merlin or schwannomin. This protein acts as a tumor suppressor, playing a crucial role in regulating cell growth and maintaining the stability of neural tissues.
