Whole-genome sequencing identifies new genetic alterations in meningiomas

The major known genetic contributor to meningioma formation was NF2, which is disrupted by mutation or loss in about 50% of tumors. Besides NF2, several recurrent driver mutations were recently uncovered through next-generation sequencing. Here, we performed whole-genome sequencing across 7 tumor-normal pairs to identify somatic genetic alterations in meningioma. As a result, Chromatin regulators, including multiple histone members, histone-modifying enzymes and several epigenetic regulators, are the major category among all of the identified copy number variants and single nucleotide variants. Notably, all samples contained copy number variants in histone members. Recurrent chromosomal rearrangements were detected on chromosome 22q, 6p21-p22 and 1q21, and most of the histone copy number variants occurred in these regions. These results will help to define the genetic landscape of meningioma and facilitate more effective genomics-guided personalized therapy.