Expression of extracellular matrix markers in benign meningiomas

Meningiomas have mesenchymal differentiation and studies have confirmed that meningiomas express intermediate filaments of both mesenchymal and epithelial types including vimentin and keratin. To further characterize their mesenchymal properties, particularly the role of factors requiring adhesion, extracellular matrix degradation, and migration, meningiomas were examined for a panel of extracellular matrix markers. Immunoreactivity to the matrix metalloproteinases, MMP-2 and MMP-9, and their tissue inhibitor, TIMP-1, and to an adhesion factor, galectin-3 were found in the majority of cases. The present study suggests that expression of these factors in benign meningiomas is ubiquitous and unrelated to tumor location. Therefore, these factors of the extracellular matrix may be potential targets of future therapy.