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Tumor grade-related NDRG2 gene expression in primary and recurrent intracranial meningiomas
Daina Skiriute1, Sarunas Tamasauskas, Virginija Asmoniene
1Laboratory of Neuroscience, Institute for Biomedical Research of Kaunas University of Medicine, Eiveniu str. 4, Kaunas 50161, Lithuania. dainski@gmail.com
Abstract:
Approximately 30% of all primary CNS tumors are meningiomas. Depending on histological type, meningiomas can recur as follows: benign--with five-year recurrence of 5%, atypical--recurrence approximately 40%, and anaplastic with recurrence of 50-80%. In an attempt to understand the molecular mechanism of meningioma recurrence we investigated the N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2), which has recently been described as important in suppressing cellular carcinogenesis in different types of cancer. The objective of the study was to investigate NDRG2 gene expression at the mRNA level in primary and recurrent meningiomas as a potential marker of tumor aggressiveness, malignancy, and recurrence. Primary and recurrent meningiomas of WHO grades I, II, and III from 35 patients operated on between 2005 and 2008 year at the Department of Neurosurgery of Kaunas Medical University Hospital (Lithuania) were studied. Using the qRT-PCR method we measured NDRG2 gene expression at the mRNA level in primary (n = 24) and recurrent (n = 11) meningiomas. Statistically significant differences in NDRG2 gene expression level were observed between primary and recurrent meningioma groups (P < 0.05) and between benign (WHO grade I) and atypical (WHO grade II) meningiomas (P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed (P > 0.05) among histological subtypes of benign (WHO grade I) meningiomas: fibrous, meningothelial, and transitional. In accordance with our results, reduction of NDRG2 gene expression at the mRNA level could help to explain malignant progression and predisposition to recurrence in meningiomas.
Insights
Reduced expression of the N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) in meningiomas correlates with increased tumor recurrence and malignancy. This finding suggests NDRG2 may serve as a marker for meningioma aggressiveness.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Meningiomas represent approximately 30% of primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors.
- Recurrence rates vary significantly with histological type: benign (5%), atypical (~40%), and anaplastic (50-80%).
- Understanding the molecular drivers of meningioma recurrence is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of the N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) in primary and recurrent meningiomas.
- To evaluate NDRG2 mRNA levels as a potential biomarker for tumor aggressiveness, malignancy, and recurrence.
- To explore the role of NDRG2 in the molecular mechanisms underlying meningioma progression.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of primary and recurrent meningioma samples (WHO grades I, II, III) from 35 patients.
- Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to measure NDRG2 gene expression at the mRNA level.
- Statistical analysis to compare NDRG2 expression between different tumor groups (primary vs. recurrent, different WHO grades).
Main Results:
- Statistically significant differences in NDRG2 gene expression were observed between primary and recurrent meningioma groups (P < 0.05).
- Significant differences in NDRG2 expression were also found between benign (WHO grade I) and atypical (WHO grade II) meningiomas (P < 0.05).
- No significant differences in NDRG2 expression were noted among histological subtypes of benign (WHO grade I) meningiomas.
Conclusions:
- A reduction in NDRG2 gene expression at the mRNA level is associated with increased malignancy and recurrence in meningiomas.
- NDRG2 may play a role in suppressing tumor progression and could serve as a prognostic marker.
- Further research into NDRG2's function could elucidate molecular mechanisms of meningioma recurrence.