The role of folate metabolism-related gene polymorphisms in the development of meningiomas.

Meningiomas are (usually) slow-growing benign tumors, and several factors have been implicated in their development. Increasing age, previous exposure to ionizing radiation, endogenous hormone status and history, hormone replacement therapy, genetic variants and polymorphisms are the main factors that have been proven or assumed to be involved in meningioma formation. The complex genetic background supporting the pathogenesis of meningiomas includes a large number of mutations and polymorphisms that might be actively involved in tumor development, progression and recurrence. The aim of this mini-review is to summarize the current data concerning the role of folate metabolism-related gene polymorphisms in the development of meningiomas.