Neurofibromin 2 (NF2) is a tumor suppressor gene encoding the protein Merlin. Merlin is closely related to the ERM (ezrin, radixin, moesin) family of proteins. The precise funtion of Merlin is not clear. It is thought to provide a link between the actin cytoskeleten and membrane associated proteins, playing a role in transduction of extracellular signals. It has been implicated in cell proliferation and cellular motility. Mutations in the NF2 gene cause neurofibromatosis type II, a condition characterised by the development of tumors in the central nervous system.