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Published on: August 25, 2023
Meningioma genomics: a therapeutic challenge for clinicians
Charbel Moussalem1, Elie Massaad2, Georges B Minassian1
1Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, American University of Beirut Medical Center, 11-0236 Beirut, Lebanon.
Abstract:
Meningiomas are amongst the most commonly encountered intracranial tumors. The majority of these tumors arise intracranially, and the remaining incidents occur along the spinal cord. Meningiomas tend to grow gradually, with many tumors arising in inaccessible locations. Such sporadic behavior poses a therapeutic challenge to clinicians, causing incomplete tumor resections that often lead to recurrence. Therefore, ongoing research seeks to find alternative systematic treatments for meningiomas, with gene-based therapeutics of high interest. Subsequently, genetic studies characterized frequent somatic mutations in NF2, TRAF7, KLF4, AKT1, SMO, and PIK3CA. These genes are communally exhibited in 80% of sporadic meningiomas. In addition, other genes such as the DUSP family, the NR4 family, CMKOR, and FOSL2, have been identified as key players in spinal meningiomas. In this perspective, we aim to investigate current genetic-based studies, with the ongoing research mainly focused on the above NF2, TRAF7, KLF4, AKT1, SMO, and PIK3CA genes and their involved pathways. In addition, this perspective can serve as a potential cornerstone for future genetic analyses of meningioma cases.
Insights
Genetic mutations in key genes like NF2 and AKT1 are common in sporadic meningiomas. Understanding these genetic drivers is crucial for developing targeted gene therapies for these challenging brain and spinal tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Meningiomas are common primary brain and spinal cord tumors.
- Their gradual growth and location pose surgical challenges, leading to recurrence.
- Gene-based therapeutics are a promising avenue for novel meningioma treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current genetic studies on sporadic meningiomas.
- To highlight frequently mutated genes and their pathways.
- To provide a foundation for future meningioma genetic research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of genetic studies in meningioma.
- Analysis of frequently mutated genes (NF2, TRAF7, KLF4, AKT1, SMO, PIK3CA).
- Identification of genes implicated in spinal meningiomas (DUSP, NR4, CMKOR, FOSL2).
Main Results:
- Somatic mutations in NF2, TRAF7, KLF4, AKT1, SMO, and PIK3CA are found in 80% of sporadic meningiomas.
- Specific genes like DUSP, NR4, CMKOR, and FOSL2 are key in spinal meningiomas.
- These genetic alterations provide insights into meningioma pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Targeting specific genetic mutations offers a potential therapeutic strategy for meningiomas.
- Further research into these genetic pathways is essential for advancing treatment options.
- This review consolidates current knowledge on meningioma genetics for future studies.
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