Extracellular matrix-modulated differential invasion of human meningioma cell lines in vitro

The in vitro invasive behaviour of six meningioma cell lines of various histological sub-type and grade was assessed using Boyden chemotaxis chambers ('Transwell' units) precoated with various extracellular matrix proteins. The cell lines included a benign meningothelial (IPGS), two benign transitional (IPCBR and IPGC), one atypical (IPIH) and two malignant (IPSE and IPIR) meningiomas. IPGC was a recurrent tumour. The results showed that IPCBR was most invasive through laminin and vitronectin. IPIH was moderately invasive through collagen type IV, laminin, vitronectin and fibronectin. However, both IPSE and IPIR were less invasive than IPIH whereas, IPGS was least invasive of all. Moreover, laminin was the most permissive extracellular matrix protein for most cell lines and collagen type IV, the least permissive. These results show that there is a differential in vitro invasive behaviour of cell lines derived from different histological types of meningiomas according to extracellular matrix substrate and suggests that invasion and migration of meningiomas in situ might be modulated by various extracellular components.