Genetic and epigenetic alterations in meningiomas

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Molecular genetics
• Epigenetics

Background:

• Meningiomas are tumors arising from the meninges, classified histologically into benign (grade I), atypical (grade II), and malignant (grade III).
• Genetic and epigenetic alterations are implicated in meningioma development and progression.
• Specific genetic mutations and epigenetic modifications vary across different meningioma grades.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the genetic and epigenetic alterations in meningiomas.
• To explore the role of signaling pathways and microRNA (miRNA) expression in meningioma progression.
• To identify potential biomarkers for prognosis and therapeutic targets.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on genetic and epigenetic alterations in meningiomas.
• Analysis of chromosomal losses and gains, gene mutations, and hypermethylation patterns.
• Examination of signaling pathway involvement (IGF, Wnt) and miRNA expression profiling.

Main Results:

• Grade I meningiomas show NF2 mutations and 22q deletions; grades II and III exhibit more extensive chromosomal abnormalities.
• Epigenetic alterations, such as gene hypermethylation, increase with meningioma grade.
• Aberrant IGF and Wnt signaling, along with altered miRNA expression (e.g., downregulation of miR-29c-3p, upregulation of miR-21), are associated with tumor progression.

Conclusions:

• Extensive genetic and epigenetic alterations are characteristic of meningiomas and may aid in prognosis.
• MicroRNA expression profiles offer potential for developing novel therapeutic strategies, particularly for high-grade or resistant meningiomas.