Background
There is increasing evidence that exosome-mediated transmission of microRNA (miRNAs) helps to connect tumor-associated macrophages and cancer cells, including lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cells.
Purpose
To identify the role of miR-3153 in LUAD progression and M2 macrophage polarization and explore its regulatory mechanism.
Methods
The relevant molecular mechanisms were analyzed and validated through mechanistic assays. In vitro functional assays followed by in vivo experiments were implemented to evaluate the role of exosomes in mediating M2 macrophage polarization and LUAD progression.
Results
LUAD cells transmitted miR-3153 through exosomes. Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2B1 (HNRNPA2B1) promoted miR-3153 biosynthesis and exosomal sorting. Exosomal miR-3153 targeted zinc finger protein 91 (ZFP91) to suppress the ubiquitination and degradation of misshapen-like kinase 1 (MINK1), thereby activating the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway and inducing M2 macrophage polarization. M2 macrophage polarization induced by LUAD cell-derived exosomes promoted the malignant process of LUAD cells.
Conclusion
Transmission of exosomal miR-3153 by LUAD cells activates the JNK signaling pathway and induces M2 macrophage polarization, thus promoting the progression of LUAD.