Progesterone receptor isoform expression in human meningiomas

• Published in: European journal of cancer (1990) 2001-08, Vol.37 (12), p.1488-1495
• Main Authors: Verheijen, F.M, Sprong, M, Jacobs, H.M, Donker, G.H, Amelink, G.J, Thijssen, J.H.H, Blankenstein, M.A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biological and medical sciences; Blotting, Western; Female; Humans; Immunoblot; Ligands; Male; Medical sciences; Meningeal Neoplasms - metabolism; Meningioma; Meningioma - metabolism; Middle Aged; Neoplasms, Hormone-Dependent - metabolism; Neurology; PR-78; PR-A; PR-B; Progesterone receptor isoforms; Protein Isoforms - metabolism; Receptors, Progesterone - metabolism; Tumors of the nervous system. Phacomatoses
• ISSN: 0959-8049; 1879-0852
• DOI: 10.1016/S0959-8049(01)00146-0

The majority of meningiomas express the progesterone receptor (PR), and therefore meningiomas are considered to be progesterone-responsive. In addition, an association has been reported between PR and prognosis. At least two PR isoforms exist, PR-B (116–120 kDa) and PR-A (81 kDa), each of which are likely to have different biological functions. Knowledge of the differential expression of both isoforms is necessary to understand the effects of progesterone on meningioma growth. Therefore, in this study, PR-A and PR-B expression levels were determined in 61 human meningiomas by immunoblotting. Total PR expression levels were determined with a ligand binding assay (LBA) (total PR LBA). Both PR isoforms and an additional PR 78 kDa protein (PR-78) were expressed in the meningiomas. Meningiomas expressing more PR-A than PR-B had significantly higher total PR LBA levels ( P