Application of serum MUC4/MUC1 ratio for diagnosis of meningioma and glioblastoma

Background Meningiomas (MGs) are the most common primary brain tumors, arising from arachnoid cap cells within the meninges. There is currently no validated, clinically used serum marker for brain tumors; diagnosis still relies on imaging and histopathology/molecular testing of resected tissue. Several serum biomarker candidates are under active investigation. In this study, we explored the potential of serum mucin-4 (MUC4) and mucin-1 (MUC1) glycoproteins as tumor markers for detecting MG and other benign/malignant brain tumors (BTs). Methods We used an in-house lectin-based ELISA to measure serum MUC4 and MUC1 in patients with MG, benign BTs, and glioblastoma (GBM), compared with healthy controls (HE). We assessed the diagnostic and prognostic power of serum MUC4 and MUC1. Results In MG, BTs, and GBM, the MUC4/MUC1 ratio was substantially higher than in HE. ROC analysis suggested that the serum MUC4/MUC1 ratio can significantly classify MG, GBM, or BTs from HE. A higher MUC4/MUC1 ratio was linked to the malignant nature of brain tumors, as GBM showed a higher MUC4/MUC1 ratio than MG. Conclusions We have demonstrated a possible role for mucin glycoproteins and their glycosylation in the development and progression of brain tumors.