SETDB1 Promotes the Growth of Glioma via CSF-1-dependent Macrophage Recruitment by Activating the AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway

Abstract

Background: Glioma is a common disease of the central nervous system (CNS), with high morbidity and mortality. Among the infiltrates in the tumor microenvironment, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are abundant and they are significant factors in glioma progression. However, the exact details of disease progression have yet to be determined. Methods: The clinical relevance of SETDB1 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR and Western blotting and of glioma cancer tissues. Tumor cell proliferation, migration and invasion were investigated by MTS assay, colony formation assay, xenograft, wound healing and Transwell assay. The relationship between SETDB1 and CSF-1, as well as TAMS was examined by Western blotting, real-time PCR and syngeneic mouse model.Results: This work shows the presence and upregulation of SETDB1 in gliomaand its relationship with disease prognosis. Gain and loss of function approaches showed the inhibition of apoptosis and the promotion of growth, migration and invasion of the disease with SETDB1 overexpression and converse effects with SETDB1 silencing in vitro. Mechanistically, SETDB1 promotes CSF-1 expression by activating the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. This leads to macrophage recruitment in the tumor, leading to tumor growth. Conclusion: This studyclarifies the modulation of tumor functions by SETDB1 and hence presents a future avenue for treating glioma.