Meningioma: current updates on genetics, classification, and mouse modeling

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Genetics
• Tumor Biology

Background:

• Meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults.
• While often benign and surgically curable, a subset exhibits aggressive behavior, invasion, and recurrence.
• Histopathological classification may not fully predict tumor aggressiveness or recurrence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in meningioma biology and classification.
• To highlight common genetic mutations and their impact on tumor behavior.
• To discuss novel genetically engineered mouse models for studying meningiomas.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of large-scale molecular data including whole exome/genome sequencing, DNA methylation sequencing, and RNA sequencing.
• Review of current literature on genetic aberrations in meningiomas.
• Examination of newly developed genetically engineered mouse models.

Main Results:

• NF2 loss is the most common genetic aberration, found in both low- and high-grade meningiomas.
• NF2-wildtype meningiomas frequently harbor mutations in TRAF7, KLF4, AKT1, PI3KCA, and SMO, and are often benign.
• New genetically engineered mouse models are emerging to study specific mutations.

Conclusions:

• Molecular data provides new insights into meningioma biology, risk factors, and prognostic subtypes.
• Understanding genetic aberrations is crucial for predicting and treating aggressive meningiomas.
• Genetically engineered mouse models offer promising tools for future research into meningioma pathogenesis and treatment.