Expression of extracellular matrix molecules in brain metastasis

J Surg Oncol. 2009 Jul 1;100(1):65-8. doi: 10.1002/jso.21296.

Abstract

Background and objectives: The objectives of this study were to investigate the role of growth factors and matrix metalloproteinases in the brain metastasis.

Methods: Tumors from 40 patients with brain metastasis (30 lung cancer, 10 breast cancer) were studied to investigate the expression-patterns of EGFR, MT1-MMP, MMP7, and CD44 using the immunostaining and RT -PCR analysis.

Results: EGFR immunostaining was detected in 92% (23/25) and 70% (7/10) of brain metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma and breast cancer, respectively. MT1-MMP immunostaining was also detected in 80% (20/25) and 50% (5/10) of brain metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma and breast cancer, respectively. EGFR mRNA was detected in 83.3% (25/30) and 70% (7/10) of brain metastasis from lung cancer and breast cancer, respectively. MT1-MMP mRNA was detected in 73.3% (22/30) specimens of brain metastasis from lung cancer, and only 13.3% (4/30) specimens of these patients expressed MMP7 mRNA.

Conclusions: The high expression of EGFR and MT1-MMP indicates that a extracellular matrix remodeling may be playing an important role in brain metastasis.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Brain Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Brain Neoplasms / secondary*
  • ErbB Receptors / analysis
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics
  • ErbB Receptors / physiology*
  • Extracellular Matrix / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronan Receptors / genetics
  • Hyaluronan Receptors / physiology
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 14 / analysis
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 14 / genetics
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 14 / physiology*
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 7 / genetics
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 7 / physiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction

Substances

  • CD44 protein, human
  • Hyaluronan Receptors
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 7
  • MMP14 protein, human
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 14