Expression of nestin, CD133 and Sox2 in meningiomas

Abstract

AIM: To investigate the expression of cancer stem cell markers in meningiomas. MATERIAL and METHODS: CD133, Nestin and Sox2 expression levels in 35 paraffin-embedded meningioma tissue samples were assessed using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: In this study, five cases were atypical (WHO Grade II), two were anaplastic (WHO Grade III), and 28 were benign (WHO Grade I). Among atypical and anaplastic meningiomas, all were positive for Nestin and CD133, and 4 were positive for Sox2. Of the 28 benign meningiomas, 23 were positive for Nestin, 11 were positive for CD133, and none were positive for Sox2. In addition, Nestin and CD133 were expressed at significantly higher levels in the non-benign group than in the benign group. CONCLUSION: Nestin, CD133 and Sox2 expression levels may be correlated with the WHO pathological grade. Specifically, more aggressive meningiomas are characterized by higher positivity rates and higher levels of Nestin, CD133 and Sox2 expression in positive cells.