Role of ADAMTS4 in Meningioma Bone Invasion

Abstract

Introduction: ADAMTS4 (aggrecanase-1), a secreted enzyme belonging to the ADAMTS (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs) gene family, is considered to play a key role in the degradation of cartilage proteoglycan (aggrecan) in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Here, we report, for the first time, the role of ADAMTS4 in bone invasion of meningioma. Although meningiomas are considered as benign primary brain tumors, a subset invades bone and soft tissues and causes hyperostosis or osteolysis. Skull base bone-invading meningiomas represent a significant clinical challenge because complete surgical resection is often impossible, resulting in higher recurrence rates and repeat surgeries. We identified ADAMTS4 as a deferentially expressed gene by mRNA microarray between the bone-invasive meningioma group and noninvasive group, and analyzed the function in bone invasion of meningioma.