Expression of insulin-like growth factors I and II and their receptor mRNAs in primary human astrocytomas and meningiomas; in vivo studies using in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry

Int J Cancer. 1992 Jan 21;50(2):215-22. doi: 10.1002/ijc.2910500210.

Abstract

These studies demonstrate the expression of IGF-1, IGF-11, and their respective receptor mRNAs in primary human astrocytomas and meningiomas. In situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry have localized a strong expression of both IGF-1 and IGF-11 mRNAs and of their protein products in the tumor cells of astrocytomas and meningiomas. The expression of IGF-1 and IGF-11 mRNAs in the tumor cells was accompanied by the co-expression of their respective type-1 and type-11 IGF receptor mRNAs. Control, non-malignant human brain expressed IGF-1 mRNA and IGF-1 and IGF-11 receptor mRNAs. There was no significant expression of IGF-11 MRNA in the control brain specimens. Control pachymeninges (dura mater) expressed low levels of IGF-1 mRNA and IGF-1 receptor mRNA. There was no significant expression of IGF-11 and IGF-11 receptor mRNAs in pachymeninges. The co-expression of IGFs and their receptors in brain tumors may contribute in their development and maintenance. The strong inappropriate expression of IGF-11 mRNA and its protein product in the tumor cells of astrocytomas and meningiomas, but not in normal brain specimens, may serve as molecular markers for the early detection of these tumors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Astrocytoma / chemistry*
  • Brain Neoplasms / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / analysis*
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / genetics
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor II / analysis*
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor II / genetics
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / chemistry*
  • Meningioma / chemistry*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / analysis
  • Nucleic Acid Hybridization
  • RNA Probes / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Receptor, IGF Type 2
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / analysis*
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics*
  • Receptors, Somatomedin
  • Staining and Labeling

Substances

  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • RNA Probes
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptor, IGF Type 2
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Receptors, Somatomedin
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor II