Longitudinal Evolution and Cellular Plasticity in Meningioma: Insights From Single-Cell Transcriptomics

Area of Science:

• Neuro-oncology
• Cancer Biology
• Genomics

Background:

• Meningiomas are common primary brain tumors with variable clinical behavior.
• Recurrence is influenced by tumor plasticity, subtype shifts, and microenvironment changes.
• Previous studies identified molecular features linked to meningioma recurrence risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current evidence on the longitudinal evolution of recurrent meningiomas.
• To explore cellular plasticity, molecular subtype shifts, and microenvironmental remodeling in recurrent meningioma.
• To identify limitations and future directions for longitudinal profiling of meningioma recurrence.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal single-nucleus RNA sequencing of matched primary and recurrent meningiomas.
• Analysis of genomic, epigenomic, and transcriptomic data.
• Review of cross-sectional single-cell studies and methylation-based risk models.

Main Results:

• Recurrent meningiomas show enrichment of proliferative, DNA repair, and extracellular matrix programs.
• Tumor evolution exhibits multidirectional transcriptional trajectories, not linear progression.
• COL6A3 is an extracellular matrix marker associated with aggressive states and poor survival.

Conclusions:

• Recurrence is a dynamic process involving tumor plasticity and microenvironment remodeling.
• Further research is needed to understand the COL6A3-macrophage interaction and its clinical relevance.
• Clinically actionable longitudinal profiling is crucial for managing recurrent meningioma.