MATERIAL and METHODS: The microarray datasets GSE43290 and GSE16581 were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to explore the key genes involved in meningioma formation and reocurrence. Additionally, the relationship between the key genes identified and clinical factors, including age, survival, and recurrence, was assessed. To investigate the the biological functions of the key genes, the gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genomes (KEGG) pathways enrichment analyses were performed. Finally, the differences in immune infiltration between atypical meningiomas and healthy tissues were assessed.

RESULTS: A total of 286 hub genes were identified, which were enriched in leukocyte migration, collagen-containing extracellular matrix, signaling receptor activator activity, and receptor-ligand activity. The differentially expressed genes(DEGs) were mainly enriched in the IL-17 signaling pathway and focal adhesion. Among these hub genes, two overlapping genes, including CXCL8 and CXCL2, were selected as key genes which were correlated with tumor survival and recurrence. These two genes were enriched in mediating chemokine and cytokine responses, especially neutrophil and granulocyte responses, and influenced the immune cells infiltrated in the tumor tissue, thereby, influencing prognosis.

CONCLUSION: The implications of this study excavated the key genes in atypical meningiomas which could help us understand the molecular mechanisms and provide the candidate therapeutic targets. Keywords : Atypical meningioma, GEO data, WGCNA, Hub genes, Bioinformatic analyses