Integration and Comparison of Transcriptomic and Proteomic Data for Meningioma

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genomics and Proteomics

Background:

• Meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumors.
• Managing aggressive (high-grade) meningiomas is challenging due to limited understanding of their molecular basis.
• Effective biomarkers and treatments are hindered by incomplete knowledge of the molecular landscape.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the transcriptome-proteome profile alterations in high-grade (Grade III) versus low-grade (Grade I) meningiomas.
• To identify potential molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets for aggressive meningioma.
• To provide the first integrated transcriptome-proteome characterization of meningioma.

Main Methods:

• Integrated analysis of two complementary omics studies (transcriptome and proteome).
• Comparison of gene and protein expression between Grade III and Grade I meningiomas.
• Validation of specific gene and protein expression levels and their association with existing drugs.

Main Results:

• Identified 3598 common transcripts/proteins with concordant up- and downregulation in Grade III vs. Grade I meningiomas.
• Upregulated genes include FABP7 and MAOB; MAOB was validated at the protein level and linked to FDA-approved drugs.
• Discovered a plasma signature of 21 discordantly expressed genes, suggesting protein acquisition from plasma.
• Aggressive meningiomas showed enrichment in oxidative phosphorylation and RNA metabolism processes.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first transcriptome-proteome characterization of meningioma.
• Identified novel and known transcripts/proteins with potential significance for Grade III meningioma biomarkers.
• Several identified molecules may serve as therapeutic targets for aggressive meningioma management.