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Published on: November 14, 2012
Differential expression of extracellular matrix-related genes in rare variants of meningioma
Mi Jung Kwon1, Chang Ohk Sung, So Young Kang
1Department of Pathology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do 431-070, South Korea.
Abstract:
Secretory, clear cell, and rhabdoid meningiomas are rare variants of meningiomas characterized by unique histologies and behaviors. Extracellular matrix proteins provide a morphologic structure and influence the biologic behavior of tumors. However, the effects of extracellular matrix proteins on morphologies and biologic behaviors of secretory meningioma, clear cell meningioma, and rhabdoid meningioma have not been established. We evaluated the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2, matrix metalloproteinase 9, galectin-3, fibronectin, and collagen IV in a series of those rare variants of meningioma and verified their clinicopathologic significance. A total 51 cases included 12 secretory meningiomas, 9 clear cell meningiomas, and 30 rhabdoid meningiomas. Extracellular matrix proteins showed different expression patterns according to the histologic subtypes, and messenger RNA levels were well correlated with immunoexpressions. Secretory meningiomas showed high expressions of fibronectin and galectin-3. Clear cell meningiomas showed high expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2, matrix metalloproteinase 9, and collagen IV. Rhabdoid meningiomas showed high expressions of matrix metalloproteinase 9, galectin-3, and fibronectin. Clinically, high expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 was associated with tumor recurrence (P < .001) and local invasion at the time of diagnosis (P = .018) among the extracellular matrix-related proteins, and was also associated with shorter recurrence-free survival (P = .025) in the patients with rhabdoid meningioma. In conclusion, the differential expressions of extracellular matrix-related genes according to the histologic subtypes appear to be involved in biologic behavior and clinical outcome, and high matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression is associated with recurrences in rhabdoid meningiomas.
Insights
Extracellular matrix proteins differ in rare meningioma subtypes. High matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression is linked to rhabdoid meningioma recurrence and poorer survival.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Molecular Pathology
- Tumor Biology
Background:
- Meningiomas are tumors arising from the meninges.
- Secretory, clear cell, and rhabdoid meningiomas are rare subtypes with distinct characteristics.
- The role of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in these rare meningioma variants is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of specific ECM proteins in secretory, clear cell, and rhabdoid meningiomas.
- To determine the clinicopathologic significance of these ECM proteins, particularly in relation to tumor behavior and patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 51 meningioma cases (12 secretory, 9 clear cell, 30 rhabdoid).
- Evaluation of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9), galectin-3, fibronectin, and collagen IV expression.
- Correlation of gene expression (mRNA) with protein immunoexpression and clinicopathologic data.
Main Results:
- Distinct ECM protein expression patterns were observed across the three meningioma subtypes.
- Secretory meningiomas showed high fibronectin and galectin-3 expression.
- Clear cell meningiomas exhibited high MMP-2, MMP-9, and collagen IV expression.
- Rhabdoid meningiomas displayed high MMP-9, galectin-3, and fibronectin expression.
- High MMP-9 expression correlated with tumor recurrence and local invasion.
- In rhabdoid meningiomas, high MMP-9 was associated with shorter recurrence-free survival.
Conclusions:
- Differential expression of ECM proteins is associated with specific meningioma histologic subtypes.
- ECM protein expression, particularly MMP-9, plays a role in the biologic behavior and clinical outcomes of these rare meningiomas.
- High MMP-9 expression is a significant indicator of recurrence risk in rhabdoid meningiomas.
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