miRNA let-7b modulates macrophage polarization and enhances tumor-associated macrophages to promote angiogenesis and mobility in prostate cancer

Sci Rep. 2016 May 9:6:25602. doi: 10.1038/srep25602.

Abstract

Macrophage polarization is a highly plastic physiological process that responds to a variety of environmental factors by changing macrophage phenotype and function. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are generally recognized as promoting tumor progression. As universal regulators, microRNAs (miRNAs) are functionally involved in numerous critical cellular processes including macrophage polarization. Let-7b, a miRNA, has differential expression patterns in inflamed tissues compared with healthy controls. However, whether and how miRNA let-7b regulates macrophage phenotype and function is unclear. In this report, we find that up-regulation of let-7b is characteristic of prostatic TAMs, and down-regulation of let-7b in TAMs leads to changes in expression profiles of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-12, IL-23, IL-10 and TNF-α. As a result, TAMs treated with let-7b inhibitors reduce angiogenesis and prostate carcinoma (PCa) cell mobility. Let-7b may play a vital role in regulating macrophage polarization, thus modulating the prognosis of prostate cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, CD / metabolism
  • Carcinogenesis / pathology
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement* / genetics
  • Cell Polarity*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Down-Regulation / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Macrophages / metabolism*
  • Macrophages / pathology*
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / genetics*
  • Phenotype
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Up-Regulation / genetics

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Cytokines
  • MicroRNAs
  • mirnlet7 microRNA, human