Complex interactions between the components of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and with components of MAPK, JAK/STAT and Notch-1 pathways, indicate their involvement in meningioma development

Virchows Arch. 2014 Oct;465(4):473-85. doi: 10.1007/s00428-014-1641-3. Epub 2014 Aug 22.

Abstract

We investigated the significance of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and its interactions with MAPK, JAK/STAT and Notch pathways in meningioma progression. Paraffin-embedded tissue from 108 meningioma patients was analysed for the presence of mutations in PIK3CA and AKT1. These were correlated with the expression status of components of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, including p85α and p110γ subunits of PI3K, phosphorylated (p)-AKT, p-mTOR, p-p70S6K and p-4E-BP1, as well as of p-ERK1/2, p-STAT3 and Notch-1, clinicopathological data and patient survival. A mutation in PIK3CA or AKT1 was found in around 9 % of the cases. Higher grade meningiomas displayed higher nuclear expression of p-p70S6K; higher nuclear and cytoplasmic expression of p-4E-BP1 and of Notch-1; lower cytoplasmic expression of p85αPI3K, p-p70S6K and p-ERK1/2; and lower PTEN Histo-scores (H-scores). PTEN H-score was inversely correlated with recurrence probability. In univariate survival analysis, nuclear expression of p-4E-BP1 and absence of p-ERK1/2 expression portended adverse prognosis, whereas in multivariate survival analysis, p-ERK1/2 expression emerged as an independent favourable prognostic factor. Treatment of the human meningioma cell line HBL-52 with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 resulted in reduction of p-AKT, p-p70S6K and p-ERK1/2 protein levels. The complex interactions established between components of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, or with components of the MAPK, JAK/STAT and Notch-1 pathways, appear to be essential for facilitating and fuelling meningioma progression.

MeSH terms

  • Blotting, Western
  • Brain Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Brain Neoplasms / mortality
  • Brain Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Janus Kinases / metabolism
  • Male
  • Meningioma / metabolism
  • Meningioma / mortality
  • Meningioma / pathology*
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases / metabolism
  • Mutation
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / metabolism
  • Prognosis
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / metabolism
  • Receptor, Notch1
  • STAT Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism

Substances

  • NOTCH1 protein, human
  • Receptor, Notch1
  • STAT Transcription Factors
  • MTOR protein, human
  • Janus Kinases
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases