Correlation of DJ-1, GDF15, and MFGE8 Gene Expression with Clinicopathological Findings in Gliomas and Meningiomas

In light of the growing significance of molecular biomarkers in central nervous system tumours, in this study, we aimed to comprehensively and quantitatively analyze the mRNA expression levels of <i>DJ-1</i> (Parkinsonism-associated deglycase 7, <i>PARK7</i>), <i>GDF15</i> (Growth Differentiation Factor 15), and <i>MFGE8</i> (Milk Fat Globule-EGF Factor 8 Protein) in glioma and meningioma tissues and to thoroughly evaluate the associations between these gene expression profiles and clinicopathological parameters. Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses performed on tumour tissues obtained from a total of 27 glioma and 18 meningioma patients revealed that these three genes exhibited significantly elevated expression compared to control samples. Despite their different cellular origins, statistically significant positive correlations were observed between the expression levels of <i>DJ-1</i>, <i>GDF15</i>, and <i>MFGE8</i> and both tumour grade and the Ki-67 proliferation index (Ki-67 Pi) in both glioma and meningioma cases, indicating that higher gene expression is associated with increased tumour aggressiveness in both tumour types. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses further confirmed the diagnostic and prognostic potential of these genes. Additionally, protein-protein interaction networks involving the target genes were characterised, providing valuable insights into their molecular mechanisms. These findings suggest that <i>DJ-1</i>, <i>GDF15</i>, and <i>MFGE8</i> may play a role in the aggressiveness, invasion, and proliferation of gliomas and meningiomas. Moreover, integrating these genes as molecular biomarkers into tumour classification systems may provide a foundation for the development of personalised and targeted therapeutic strategies, although further studies are needed to support this.