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Updated: Sep 11, 2025
On-Site Sampling and Extraction of Brain Tumors for Metabolomics and Lipidomics Analysis
Published on: May 31, 2020
Metabolomics-based liquid biopsy reflects molecular alterations induced by meningioma
Gabriel A Kurokawa1, Pedro T Hamamoto Filho1,2, Aline F Galvani1
1Laboratory of Molecular Analysis and Neuro-oncology, Experimental Research Unit, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Abstract:
Meningiomas (MGMs) account for around 36% of all primary central nervous system tumors. Currently, imaging techniques are the primary method for detecting the presence of MGM, even when it recurs. This study aimed to identify plasma metabolites related to the presence of MGM, searching for a simpler approach to detect molecular alterations in the blood linked to MGM. For that, plasma samples were evaluated through untargeted metabolomics using Mass Spectrometry. Analysis was performed on samples from 51 MGM patients and 50 healthy individuals to identify tumor-related metabolites, which were later identified through tandem mass spectrometry, database verification, and scientific literature. The selected molecules were verified for their potential as MGM biomarkers through Area Under the Curve (AUC) analyses. Three metabolites with the potential to act as MGM biomarkers were identified: hydroxymethyluracil (m/z 143; AUC = 0.93), ganglioside (m/z 1116; AUC = 0.81), and sulfatide (m/z 931; AUC = 0.682). The AUC values for hydroxymethyluracil and ganglioside suggest that these molecules have the potential to differentiate patients with MGM from healthy individuals. These results open a new possibility for identifying tumor biomarkers in the plasma of patients with MGM, especially considering the prospect of patient follow-up.
Insights
Researchers identified three key plasma metabolites, including hydroxymethyluracil and ganglioside, that show potential as biomarkers for detecting meningiomas (MGMs). This discovery offers a simpler blood-based approach for identifying molecular alterations linked to these common brain tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Metabolomics
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Meningiomas (MGMs) represent a significant portion of primary central nervous system tumors.
- Current detection relies heavily on imaging, necessitating simpler diagnostic methods, especially for recurrence detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific plasma metabolites associated with the presence of meningiomas.
- To explore a less invasive method for detecting molecular changes indicative of MGMs.
Main Methods:
- Untargeted metabolomics analysis of plasma samples using Mass Spectrometry.
- Comparison between 51 MGM patients and 50 healthy controls.
- Metabolite identification via tandem mass spectrometry, database verification, and literature review.
Main Results:
- Three potential meningioma biomarkers were identified: hydroxymethyluracil (AUC=0.93), ganglioside (AUC=0.81), and sulfatide (AUC=0.682).
- Hydroxymethyluracil and ganglioside demonstrated significant potential in differentiating MGM patients from healthy individuals.
- Area Under the Curve (AUC) analysis validated the discriminatory power of these metabolites.
Conclusions:
- Plasma hydroxymethyluracil and ganglioside show promise as non-invasive biomarkers for meningioma detection.
- These findings open avenues for improved patient follow-up and molecular diagnostics for MGMs.
- Metabolomic profiling offers a novel approach to identifying blood-based biomarkers for central nervous system tumors.
