Single-cell transcriptomic analysis reveals metastatic and immunosuppressive characteristics in meningioma brain-tumor interface.

BACKGROUND

Meningioma is a common primary intracranial tumor with high recurrence and metastasis rate. Delineating the pathological ecosystem at the brain-tumor interface (BTI) of meningioma is critical for understanding the mechanisms of tumor metastasis and developing effective new therapies.

METHODS

To identify biomarkers of early metastasis and discover potential therapeutic targets, we integrated single-cell transcriptome datasets of meningioma, and identified the cell populations and molecular signatures uniquely present at the BTI.

RESULTS

A specific BTI-enriched tumor cell population with a pro-EMT (epithelial mesenchymal transition) characteristics was associated with invasion and metastasis, and ANXA2 and COL5A1 were detected as the biomarkers for these BTI-enriched tumor cells. Additionally, we characterized the BTI-specific immunosuppressive microenvironment composed of SPP1+ tumor-associated macrophages, as well as specific endothelial cells (ACKR1high) and pericytes (THY1high) promoting the highly malignant invasive state of angiogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, BTI in meningioma is a metastatic and immunosuppressive zone. We have discovered potential biomarkers that help detect early metastasis and recurrence of meningioma.