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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
Two-dimensional Gel Electrophoresis Coupled with Mass Spectrometry Methods for an Analysis of Human Pituitary Adenoma Tissue Proteome
Published on: April 2, 2018
Matrix metalloproteinase-9, a potential biological marker in invasive pituitary adenomas
Jian Gong1, Yunge Zhao, Rana Abdel-Fattah
1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA. gongjian720115@hotmail.com
Object:
We analyzed MMP-9 expression using mRNA and protein level determinations and explored the possibility that matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is a potential biological marker of pituitary adenoma invasiveness and whether MMP-9 could be used to discriminate the extent of invasiveness among different hormonal subtypes, tumor sizes, growth characteristics, and primary versus recurrent tumors.
Materials And Methods:
73 pituitary tumor specimens were snap frozen in liquid nitrogen immediately after surgical resection. RNA and protein were extracted. MMP-9 mRNA transcripts were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR. MMP-9 protein activity was analyzed by gelatin zymography and validated by western blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry was performed to identify the presence and localization of MMP-9 in pituitary adenomas. Statistical differences between results were determined using Student's t-test or one way ANOVA.
Results:
Comparing different hormonal subtypes of noninvasive and invasive pituitary tumors, MMP-9 mRNA expression was significantly increased in the majority of invasive adenomas. Considering the protein levels, our data also showed a significant increase in MMP-9 activity in the majority of invasive adenomas and these differences were confirmed by western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. In addition, consistent differences in MMP-9 expression levels were found according to tumor subtype, tumor size, tumor extension and primary versus redo-surgery.
Conclusions:
MMP-9 expression can consistently distinguish invasive pituitary tumors from noninvasive pituitary tumors and would reflect the extent of invasiveness in pituitary tumors according to tumor subtype, size, tumor extension, primary and redo surgery, even at early stages of invasiveness. MMP-9 may be considered a potential biomarker to determine and predict the invasive nature of pituitary tumors.
Insights
Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression reliably distinguishes invasive pituitary adenomas from noninvasive ones. Increased MMP-9 levels correlate with tumor invasiveness, suggesting its potential as a predictive biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Pituitary adenomas are common tumors, with invasiveness impacting treatment and prognosis.
- Identifying reliable biomarkers for pituitary adenoma invasiveness is crucial for clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) as a potential biomarker for pituitary adenoma invasiveness.
- To assess MMP-9's ability to differentiate invasiveness across various tumor subtypes, sizes, and surgical histories.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of MMP-9 expression at mRNA and protein levels in 73 pituitary tumor specimens.
- Quantitative RT-PCR for mRNA, gelatin zymography and western blot for protein activity.
- Immunohistochemistry to determine MMP-9 localization within tumors.
Main Results:
- Significantly elevated MMP-9 mRNA and protein levels were observed in the majority of invasive pituitary adenomas compared to noninvasive ones.
- MMP-9 expression differences were consistent across tumor subtypes, sizes, extension, and between primary and recurrent tumors.
- Western blot and immunohistochemistry confirmed increased MMP-9 activity and presence in invasive adenomas.
Conclusions:
- MMP-9 expression serves as a consistent indicator distinguishing invasive from noninvasive pituitary tumors.
- MMP-9 reflects the degree of invasiveness, even in early stages, and can predict tumor behavior.
- Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) shows promise as a valuable biomarker for assessing pituitary adenoma invasiveness.