Mutation in which of the following chromosome is associated with meningioma ?
**Core Concept**
Meningiomas are a type of primary brain tumor arising from the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Genetic mutations play a crucial role in the development of these tumors, with certain chromosomal alterations leading to uncontrolled cell growth. In particular, meningiomas have been associated with mutations in specific chromosomes that regulate cell cycle progression and DNA repair.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is associated with a mutation in chromosome 22, specifically in the NF2 gene. The NF2 gene encodes for the protein merlin, which is a tumor suppressor that regulates cell growth and division. Mutations in the NF2 gene lead to the loss of merlin function, resulting in uncontrolled cell proliferation and tumor formation. Meningiomas are a hallmark of NF2 mutations, and patients with NF2 syndrome have a high risk of developing these tumors.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because it refers to a different type of tumor, specifically gliomas, which are associated with mutations in chromosome 10, not chromosome 22.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because it refers to a different genetic disorder, specifically neurofibromatosis type 1, which is associated with mutations in the NF1 gene on chromosome 17, not chromosome 22.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because it refers to a different type of tumor, specifically schwannomas, which are associated with mutations in the NF2 gene on chromosome 22, but are not the primary tumor type associated with meningiomas.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Meningiomas are often slow-growing and may be asymptomatic, but can cause symptoms due to compression of adjacent brain structures. The presence of a meningioma on imaging studies should prompt a search for NF2 syndrome, which includes other characteristic features such as vestibular schwannomas, cafe-au-lait spots, and axillary freckling.
**Correct Answer:** C.