Proteome Profiling of the Dura Mater in Patients with Moyamoya Angiopathy

Moyamoya angiopathy (MMA) is an uncommon cerebrovascular disease characterized by a progressive steno-occlusive lesion of the internal carotid artery and the compensatory development of an unstable network of collateral vessels. These vascular hallmarks are responsible for recurrent ischemic/hemorrhagic strokes. Surgical treatment represents the preferred procedure for MMA patients, and indirect revascularization may induce a spontaneous angiogenesis between the brain surface and dura mater (DM), whose function remains rather unknown. A better understanding of MMA pathogenesis is expected from the molecular characterization of DM. We performed a comprehensive, label-free, quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomic characterization of DM. The 30 most abundant identified proteins were located in the extracellular region or exosomes and were involved in extracellular matrix organization. Gene ontology analysis revealed that most proteins were involved in binding functions and hydrolase activity. Among the 30 most abundant proteins, Filamin A is particularly relevant because considering its well-known biochemical functions and molecular features, it could be a possible second hit gene with a potential role in MMA pathogenesis. The current explorative study could pave the way for further analyses aimed at better understanding such uncommon and disabling intracranial vasculopathy.