Washington University NF Center

Specialties

The Washington University NF Center is a collective of clinicians and laboratory scientists focused on accelerating the pace of scientific discovery and its application to the care of individuals with NF.

We provide outstanding medical care in the NF Clinical Program at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, complete both basic science and clinical research, and empower families with NF through educational and community resources such as Club NF – our play-​based therapy program for children with NF1.

To learn more about the Washington University NF Center, please visit our website nfcen​ter​.wustl​.edu

History

Established in 2004.

The Washington University NF Center was first established by Dr. David H. Gutmann, the Donald O. Schnuck Family Professor in Neurology, to galvanize research focused on improving the lives of people with NF

The Washington University NF Center joined a distinguished list of outstanding centers and institutes that support the academic mission at Washington University.

Since its inception, our center has enjoyed many successes. Below is a selected list of these moments.

Performed the first whole genome sequencing of NF1-​associated low-​grade glioma

Showed that reduced dopamine levels are also partly responsible for learning problems in NF1 genetically-​engineered mice

Identified the cell of origin for NF1-​associated optic glioma

Established the NF1 Brain Trust Project (NBTP)

Established the first on-​line patient registry, called the NF1 Patient Registry Initiative

Created the NF1 Genome Project

Please visit our website to learn more: nfcen​ter​.wustl​.edu

Meet the Business Owner

Dr. G.

Business Owner

David H. Gutmann, MD, PhD, Director

Dr. Gutmann is an internationally recognized expert in NF, and was a member of the research group that identified the entire NF1 gene. He has over twenty years of experience in the care of children and adults with NF, and directs a large basic science research laboratory working on NF.

Dr. Gutmann also founded and leads the Washington University NF Center, a collaborative research center composed of clinicians and laboratory scientists focused on accelerating the pace of scientific discovery and its application to the care of individuals with NF.

In 2010, Dr. Gutmann was ranked among the top 10% of all Washington University clinically active personnel. He has also been recognized for his accomplishments with the Children’s Tumor Foundation Frederich Von Recklinghausen Award in 2012 and the Washington University Distinguished Faculty Research Award in 2013.