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Updated: May 18, 2026
Optimized Analysis of DNA Methylation and Gene Expression from Small, Anatomically-defined Areas of the Brain
Published on: July 12, 2012
Reduced expression of ELAVL4 in male meningioma patients
Robert Stawski1, Sylwester Piaskowski, Ewelina Stoczynska-Fidelus
1Department of Molecular Pathology and Neuropathology, Medical University of Lodz, Czechoslowacka 8/10, 92-216 Lodz, Poland.
Abstract:
Meningioma is a frequently occurring tumor of the central nervous system. Among many genetic alternations, the loss of the short arm of chromosome 1 is the second most frequent chromosomal abnormality observed in these tumors. Here, we focused on the previously described and well-established minimal deletion regions of chromosome 1. In accordance with the Knudson suppressor theory, we designed an analysis of putative suppressor genes localized in the described minimal deletion regions. The purpose was to determine the molecular background of the gender-specific occurrence of meningiomas. A total of 149 samples were examined for loss of heterozygosity (LOH). In addition, 57 tumor samples were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. We examined the association between the expression of selected genes and patient age, gender, tumor grade and presence of 1p loss. Furthermore, we performed an analysis of the most stable internal control for real-time analysis in meningiomas. LOH analysis revealed gender-specific discrepancies in the frequency of 1p aberrations. Moreover, statistical correlation between the gene expression level and gender was significant for the ELAVL4 gene as we found it to be lower in males than in females. We conclude that meningiomas present different features depending on patient gender. We suggest that ELAVL4 can be involved in the pathogenesis of meningiomas in male patients.
Insights
Loss of chromosome 1p is common in meningiomas. This study found the ELAVL4 gene is expressed less in male patients, suggesting it may play a role in male meningioma development.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Meningioma, a common central nervous system tumor, frequently exhibits chromosomal abnormalities.
- Loss of the short arm of chromosome 1 (1p loss) is the second most frequent abnormality in meningiomas.
- The molecular basis for gender-specific differences in meningioma occurrence is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate putative tumor suppressor genes within minimal deletion regions on chromosome 1.
- To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying gender-specific meningioma development.
- To identify potential gender-associated genetic alterations in meningiomas.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in 149 meningioma samples.
- Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to assess gene expression in 57 tumor samples.
- Examination of associations between gene expression, patient demographics, tumor grade, and 1p loss.
Main Results:
- LOH analysis indicated gender-specific differences in the frequency of 1p aberrations.
- A statistically significant correlation was found between lower ELAVL4 gene expression and male gender.
- The ELAVL4 gene was expressed at lower levels in male patients compared to female patients.
Conclusions:
- Meningiomas exhibit distinct molecular features influenced by patient gender.
- The ELAVL4 gene may be implicated in the pathogenesis of meningiomas, particularly in male patients.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the role of ELAVL4 in meningioma development.
