Genomic Analysis of Non- <i>NF2</i> Meningiomas Reveals Mutations in <i>TRAF7</i> , <i>KLF4</i> , <i>AKT1</i> , and <i>SMO</i>

TLDR

Meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults, usually slow‑growing and benign but capable of causing serious neurological complications, and about half harbor NF2 mutations. The study aimed to identify additional genes contributing to meningioma pathogenesis. The authors performed genome‑wide sequencing on 300 meningioma tumors. They found that skull‑base benign tumors frequently carry TRAF7, KLF4, AKT1, and SMO mutations, whereas higher‑grade cerebral and cerebellar tumors are associated with NF2 mutations.

Abstract

Genetic Clues to Meningioma Meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults. Located within the layer of tissue covering the brain, these tumors are usually slow-growing and benign but can cause serious neurological complications. About half of these tumors have mutations in the neurofibromin 2 gene ( NF2 ). To identify other genes that contribute to meningioma pathogenesis, Clark et al. (p. 1077 , published online 24 January) performed genome sequence analysis on 300 tumors. Meningiomas fell into two general classes: benign tumors located at the skull base—which tend to harbor mutations in the TRAF7, KLF4, AKT1 , and SMO genes—and higher-grade tumors located in the cerebral and cerebellar hemispheres harbor mutations in NF2.