Array expression meta-analysis of cancer stem cell genes identifies upregulation of PODXL especially in DCC low expression meningiomas

BACKGROUND: Meningiomas are the most common intracranial tumors, with a subset of cases bearing a progressive phenotype. The DCC netrin 1 receptor (DCC) is a candidate gene for early meningioma progression. Cancer stem cell (CSC) genes are emerging as cancer therapeutic targets, as their expression is frequently associated with aggressive tumor phenotypes. The main objective of the study was to identify deregulated CSC genes in meningiomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Interrogating two expression data repositories, significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined using DCC low vs. DCC high expression groups and WHO grade I (GI) vs. grade II + grade III (GII + GIII) comparison groups. Human stem cell (SC) genes were compiled from two published data sets and were extracted from the DEG lists. Biofunctional analysis was performed to assess associations between genes or molecules. RESULTS: In the DCC low vs. DCC high expression groups, we assessed seven studies representing each between seven and 58 samples. The type I transmembrane protein podocalyxin like (PODXL) was markedly upregulated in DCC low expression meningiomas in six studies. Other CSC genes repeatedly deregulated included, e.g., BMP/retinoic acid inducible neural specific 1 (BRINP1), prominin 1 (PROM1), solute carrier family 24 member 3 (SLC24A3), rRho GTPase activating protein 28 (ARHGAP28), Kruppel like factor 5 (KLF5), and leucine rich repeat containing G protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4). In the GI vs. GII + GIII comparison groups, we assessed six studies representing each between nine and 68 samples. DNA topoisomerase 2-alpha (TOP2A) was markedly upregulated in GII + GIII meningiomas in four studies. Other CSC genes repeatedly deregulated included, e.g., ARHGAP28 and PODXL. Network analysis revealed associations of molecules with, e.g., cellular development and movement; nervous system development and function; and cancer. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis on meningiomas identified a comprehensive list of deregulated CSC genes across different array expression studies. Especially, PODXL is of interest for functional assessment in progressive meningiomas.