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Cell-adhesion molecules in human meningiomas: correlation with clinical and morphological data
D Figarella-Branger1, P H Roche, L Daniel
1Department of Pathology and Neuropathology, Hopital de la Timone, Marseille, France.
Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology
|April 1, 1997
Summary
Integrins and CD44s are widely expressed in meningiomas, with VLA alpha5 and CD44s found in most tumors. High-grade meningiomas show increased VLA alpha2 and alpha6 expression, suggesting altered integrin patterns in aggressive tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Integrins and CD44 glycoproteins are key cell adhesion molecules.
- CD44 standard (CD44s) is a common isoform involved in cell adhesion.
- Meningiomas are tumors arising from the meninges, with varying subtypes and grades.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunohistochemical distribution of VLA integrins (alpha2, alpha5, alpha6) and CD44s.
- To correlate integrin and CD44s expression with meningioma subtypes and grades.
- To understand the role of cell adhesion molecules in meningioma pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis of 44 meningioma specimens and normal arachnoid villi.
- Quantification of immunoprecipitates using image analysis.
- Correlation of expression data with histological subtypes and grades.
Main Results:
- VLA alpha5 and CD44s were widely expressed in normal arachnoid villi and all meningiomas.
- VLA alpha2 and alpha6 expression was absent in normal arachnoid villi but present in some meningiomas.
- VLA alpha2 and alpha6 expression was significantly associated with high-grade (Grade III) meningiomas.
- Strong CD44s expression was characteristic of meningothelial and transitional meningiomas.
- Fibroblastic meningiomas showed lower VLA alpha5 expression and higher NCAM expression (based on prior studies).
Conclusions:
- VLA alpha5 and CD44s are broadly expressed in meningiomas, unlike VLA alpha2 and alpha6.
- Expression patterns of VLA integrins and CD44s vary with meningioma subtype and grade.
- VLA alpha2 and alpha6 expression in high-grade meningiomas suggests a role in tumor progression.
- Cell adhesion molecule expression profiles may help differentiate meningioma subtypes and grades.