A study of reduction of NF 2 protein, mRNA and loss of 22 q in sporadic meningiomas
Neurofibromatosis 2(NF 2) is one of the tumor suppressor genes, and its disorder has been reported in sporadic meningiomas. We investigated some reduction of expression of NF 2 protein and mRNA in 33 sporadic meningiomas, using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, respectively. Seventeen of 33 (51.5%) meningiomas demonstrated significantly reduced or absent NF 2 protein expression. Its mRNA was also reduced or absent in 11 of 24(45.8%) meningiomas, and some statistically significant correlation was shown between reductions of NF 2 protein and its mRNA. Furthermore, we studied about loss of 22 q in 5 meningiomas with fluorescence in situ hybridization. In the cases with reduction of NF 2 protein and/or mRNA, 22 q telomere signals were observed as loss of heterozygosity. On the other hand, in the cases with expression of NF 2 protein and mRNA, 22 q telomere signals were normal. In conclusion, reduction or absence of NF 2 protein and mRNA may play an important role in the tumorigenesis of about half number of sporadic meningiomas.