Mitogenic signal transduction pathways in meningiomas: Novel targets for meningioma chemotherapy?

Abstract

The roles of growth factor receptors and numerous downstream growth regulatory pathways are of increasing interest in neurooncology. These pathways have been extensively studied in gliomas but only recently analyzed in meningiomas. This article reviews current research on the growth factor receptor-Ras-Raf-1-MEK-1-MAPK, PI3K-Akt/PKB, PLC-γ1-PKC, phospholipase A2-cyclooxygenase, and TGF-β receptor-Smad pathways that appear to regulate meningioma growth and inhibit apoptosis. Sites along these receptor/kinase cascades that might be targeted by novel therapies are also discussed. Copyright © 2005 by the American Association of Neuropathologists, Inc.