miR-106b-5p Inhibits IRF1/IFN-β Signaling to Promote M2 Macrophage Polarization of Glioblastoma

Insights of immune cell heterogeneity, tumor-initiated subtype transformation, drug resistance, treatment and detecting technologies in glioma microenvironment

BACKGROUND

With the gradual understanding of glioma development and the immune microenvironment, many immune cells have been discovered. Despite the growing comprehension of immune cell functions and the clinical application of immunotherapy, the precise roles and characteristics of immune cell subtypes, how glioma induces subtype transformation of immune cells and its impact on glioma progression have yet to be understood.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

In this review, we comprehensively center on the four major immune cells within the glioma microenvironment, particularly neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), and other significant immune cells. We discuss (1) immune cell subtype markers, (2) glioma-induced immune cell subtype transformation, (3) the mechanisms of each subtype influencing chemotherapy resistance, (4) therapies targeting immune cells, and (5) immune cell-associated single-cell sequencing. Eventually, we identified the characteristics of immune cell subtypes in glioma, comprehensively summarized the exact mechanism of glioma-induced immune cell subtype transformation, and concluded the progress of single-cell sequencing in exploring immune cell subtypes in glioma.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

In conclusion, we have analyzed the mechanism of chemotherapy resistance detailly, and have discovered prospective immunotherapy targets, excavating the potential of novel immunotherapies approach that synergistically combines radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgery, thereby paving the way for improved immunotherapeutic strategies against glioma and enhanced patient outcomes.

Silencing BMAL1 promotes M1/M2 polarization through the LDHA/lactate axis to promote GBM sensitivity to bevacizumab

OBJECTIVE

Glioblastoma (GBM) has poor clinical prognosis due to limited treatment options. In addition, the current treatment regimens for GBM may only slightly prolong patient survival. The aim of this study was to assess the role of BMAL1 in the immune microenvironment and drug resistance of GBM.

METHODS

GBM cell lines with stable BMAL1 knockdown or LDHA overexpression were constructed, and functionally characterized by the CCK8, EdU incorporation, and transwell assays. In vivo GBM model was established in C57BL/6J mice. Flow cytometry, ELISA, immunofluorescence, and RT-qPCR were performed to detect macrophage polarization. Lactate production, pathological changes, and the expression of glycolytic proteins were analyzed by HE staining, immunohistochemistry, biochemical assays, and Western blotting.

RESULTS

BMAL1 silencing inhibited the malignant characteristics, lactate production, and expression of glycolytic proteins in GBM cells, and these changes were abrogated by overexpression of LDHA or exogenous lactate supplementation. Furthermore, BMAL1 knockdown induced M1 polarization of macrophages, and inhibited M2 polarization and angiogenesis in GBM cells in conditioned media. Overexpression of LDHA or presence of exogenous lactate inhibited BMAL1-induced M1 polarization and angiogenesis. Finally, BMAL1 silencing and bevacizumab synergistically inhibited glycolysis, angiogenesis and M2 polarization, and promoted M1 polarization in vivo, thereby suppressing GBM growth.

CONCLUSION

BMAL1 silencing can sensitize GBM cells to bevacizumab by promoting M1/M2 polarization through the LDHA/lactate axis.

Fetal Brain-Derived Exosomal miRNAs from Maternal Blood: Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are leading causes of neurodevelopmental disability but cannot be diagnosed early in utero. Because several microRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in other neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders, the effects of EtOH exposure on the expression of these miRNAs and their target genes and pathways were assessed. In women who drank alcohol (EtOH) during pregnancy and non-drinking controls, matched individually for fetal sex and gestational age, the levels of miRNAs in fetal brain-derived exosomes (FB-Es) isolated from the mothers' serum correlated well with the contents of the corresponding fetal brain tissues obtained after voluntary pregnancy termination. In six EtOH-exposed cases and six matched controls, the levels of fetal brain and maternal serum miRNAs were quantified on the array by qRT-PCR. In FB-Es from 10 EtOH-exposed cases and 10 controls, selected miRNAs were quantified by ddPCR. Protein levels were quantified by ELISA. There were significant EtOH-associated reductions in the expression of several miRNAs, including miR-9 and its downstream neuronal targets BDNF, REST, Synapsin, and Sonic hedgehog. In 20 paired cases, reductions in FB-E miR-9 levels correlated strongly with reductions in fetal eye diameter, a prominent feature of FASDs. Thus, FB-E miR-9 levels might serve as a biomarker to predict FASDs in at-risk fetuses.

miRNA-Mediated Fine Regulation of TLR-Induced M1 Polarization

Macrophage polarization to the M1 spectrum is induced by bacterial cell wall components through stimulation of Toll-like family (TLR) receptors. By orchestrating the expression of relevant mediators of the TLR cascade, as well as associated pathways and feedback loops, macrophage polarization is coordinated to ensure an appropriate immune response. This is central to the successful control of pathogens and the maintenance of health. Macrophage polarization is known to be modulated at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. In recent years, the miRNA-based post-transcriptional regulation of M1 polarization has received increasing attention from the scientific community. Comparative studies have shown that TLR stimulation alters the miRNA profile of macrophages and that macrophages from the M1 or the M2 spectrum differ in terms of miRNAs expressed. Simultaneously, miRNAs are considered critical post-transcriptional regulators of macrophage polarization. In particular, miRNAs are thought to play a regulatory role in the switch between the early proinflammatory response and the resolution phase. In this review, we will discuss the current state of knowledge on the complex interaction of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms that ultimately determine the functionality of macrophages.

Oncogenic miR-106b-5p promotes cisplatin resistance in triple-negative breast cancer by targeting GDF11

BACKGROUND

Cytoplatin (CDDP) is a standard treatment for triple-negative breast cancer (TNB), but patient resistance to CDDP limits its efficacy. A growing study confirms that microRNAs (miRNAs) are significantly important in breast cancer, especially TNBC. This research was carried out to examine the function of miR-106b-5p in CDDP resistance of TNBC as well as the downstream mechanism.

METHODS

The miR-106b-5p and growth-differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) expressions in the tissues from TNBC patients and CDDP-treated TNBC cell lines were measured by RT-qPCR. Thereafter, cell proliferation and migration in the presence of CDDP treatment were evaluated via CCK-8 and Transwell assays in the TNBC cells. A xenograft mice model was also established to verify the miR-106b-5p silencing effect on the growth of CDDP resistance TNBC cells in vivo. Luciferase reporter experiments were performed to predict the relationship between miR-106b-5p and GDF11 expression.

RESULTS

The results showed that miR-106b-5p was upregulated in the TNBC tumor cells and TNBC cells treated with CDDP and knockdown of this caused inhibition of the TNBC cell lines' proliferation, migration and suppressed the growth of the TNBC xenografted tumors, in the presence of CDDP treatment. In addition, it was observed that miR-106b-5p can bind to GDF11; as a result in the TNBC tissues and CDDP-treated TNBC cell lines the down-regulation of GDF11 was observed. Moreover, GDF11 silencing promoted CDDP-treated TNBC cell lines' proliferation and migration and reversed the interference effect of miR-106b-5p.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-106b-5p was upregulated in TNBC and this upregulation may promote CDDP resistance of the TNBC cells by targeting GDF11 and inhibiting its expression.

Linc00657 promoted pyroptosis in THP-1-derived macrophages and exacerbated atherosclerosis via the miR-106b-5p/TXNIP/NLRP3 axis

Long intergenic non-coding RNA 00657 (linc00657) is involved in various diseases, whereas its role in atherosclerosis (AS) development remains inconclusive. This study was designed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of linc00657 in atherogenesis. The results showed that ox-LDL treatment significantly induced pyroptosis in human THP-1-derived macrophages. The secretion levels of LDH and pro-inflammatory factors were markedly enhanced, and the integrity of plasma membranes was disrupted in ox-LDL-treated THP-1-derived macrophages. These effects were significantly compensated after transfection with linc00657 siRNA and became more evident by linc00657 overexpression. Moreover, the effects of linc00657 overexpression on pyroptosis of THP-1-derived macrophages can also be robustly reversed by TXNIP knockdown or miR-106b-5p mimics transfection. Mechanistically, linc00657 enhanced TXNIP expression by competitively binding to miR-106b-5p, promoting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Finally, we found that linc00657 overexpression significantly increased the expression of pyroptosis-related factors and decreased miR-106b-5p level in the aorta of high-fat-diet-fed apoE-/- mice. Furthermore, linc00657 up-regulation enlarged the plaque area, exacerbated plasma lipid profile, and increased pro-inflammatory cytokines levels in the serum, effects that were reversed by injection of miR-106b-5p agomir. This evidence indicated that linc00657 stimulated macrophage pyroptosis and aggravated the progression of AS via the miR-106b-5p/TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway.

LncRNA AGAP2 antisense RNA 1 stabilized by insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 3 promotes macrophage M2 polarization in clear cell renal cell carcinoma through regulation of the microRNA-9-5p/THBS2/PI3K-Akt pathway

BACKGROUND

Increasing evidence highlights the potential role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the biological behaviors of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Here, we explored the mechanism of AGAP2-AS1 in the occurrence and development of clear cell RCC (ccRCC) involving IGF2BP3/miR-9-5p/THBS2.

METHODS

The expressions of AGAP2-AS1, IGF2BP3, miR-9-5p, and THBS2 and their relationship were analyzed by bioinformatics. The targeting relationship between AGAP2-AS1 and miR-9-5p and between miR-9-5p and THBS2 was evaluated with their effect on cell biological behaviors and macrophage polarization assayed. Finally, we tested the effect of AGAP2-AS1 on ccRCC tumor formation in xenograft tumors.

RESULTS

IGF2BP3 could stabilize AGAP2-AS1 through m6A modification. AGAP2-AS1 was highly expressed in ccRCC tissues and cells. The lentivirus-mediated intervention of AGAP2-AS1 induced malignant behaviors of ccRCC cells and led to M2 polarization of macrophages. In addition, THBS2 promoted M2 polarization of macrophages by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. AGAP2-AS1 could directly bind with miR-9-5p and promote the expression of THBS2 downstream of miR-9-5p. These results were further verified by in vivo experiments.

CONCLUSION

AGAP2-AS1 stabilized by IGF2BP3 competitively binds to miR-9-5p to up-regulate THBS2, activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and inducing macrophage M2 polarization, thus facilitating the development of RCC.

The potential role of miRNA in regulating macrophage polarization

Macrophage polarization is a dynamic process determining the outcome of various physiological and pathological situations through inducing pro-inflammatory responses or resolving inflammation via exerting anti-inflammatory effects. The miRNAs are epigenetic regulators of different biologic pathways that target transcription factors and signaling molecules to promote macrophage phenotype transition and regulate immune responses. Modulating the macrophage activation, differentiation, and polarization by miRNAs is crucial for immune responses in response to microenvironmental signals and under various physiological and pathological conditions. In term of clinical significance, regulating macrophage polarization via miRNAs could be utilized for inflammation control. Also, understanding the role of miRNAs in macrophage polarization can provide insights into diagnostic strategies associated with dysregulated miRNAs and for developing macrophage-centered therapeutic methods. In this case, targeting miRNAs to further regulate of macrophage polarization may become an efficient strategy for treating immune-associated disorders. The current review investigated and categorized various miRNAs directly or indirectly involved in macrophage polarization by targeting different transcription factors and signaling pathways. In addition, prospects for regulating macrophage polarization via miRNA as a therapeutic choice that could be implicated in various pathological conditions, including cancer or inflammation-mediated injuries, were discussed.

lncRNA XIST inhibition promotes M2 polarization of microglial and aggravates the spinal cord injury via regulating miR-124-3p / IRF1 axis

Spinal cord injury (SCI) has a high disability rate and mortality rate. Recently, LncRNA XIST has been found to be involved in the regulation of inflammatory responses. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the role of XIST in the occurrence and development of SCI and the specific regulation mechanism. Methods: 100 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to treat mouse microglia BV2 cells. Hitting spinal cord was performed to C57BL/6 mice for establishing SCI model. Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), Western blot, Immunofluorescence (IF) and Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) experiments were used to explore the function of XIST, miR-124-3p and IRF1 in LPS-induced BV2 cells. RT-qPCR, Nissl staining, IF, Western blot and ELISA experiment were performed to study the function of XIST in SCI mice. Dual-luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), RT-qPCR and Western blot assays were utilized to identify the interaction among XIST, miR-124-3p and IRF1. Results: XIST was upregulated in LPS-induced BV2 cells and spinal cord tissues of SCI mice. Overexpression of XIST promoted the M1 microphages polarization and cytokines concentration in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells, aggravated SCI of mice. Downregulated XIST promoted M1-to-M2 conversion of microglial and relieved the injury of SCI mice. Mechanism verification indicated that XIST acted as a molecular sponge of miR-124-3p and regulated IRF1 expression. Increased miR-124-3p or reduced IRF1 inhibited M1 polarization of microglial and decreased the production of inflammatory cytokines in LPS-induced BV2 cells. Increased XIST or decreased miR-124-3p had an opposite of on LPS-induced BV2 cells. Conclusion: Overexpression of XIST enhanced M1 polarization of microglia and promoted the level of inflammatory cytokines through sponging miR-124-3p and regulating IRF1 expression.

Comparison of Oncogenes, Tumor Suppressors, and MicroRNAs Between Schizophrenia and Glioma: The Balance of Power

The risk of cancer in schizophrenia has been controversial. Confounders of the issue are cigarette smoking in schizophrenia, and antiproliferative effects of antipsychotic medications. The author has previously suggested comparison of a specific cancer like glioma to schizophrenia might help determine a more accurate relationship between cancer and schizophrenia. To accomplish this goal, the author performed three comparisons of data; the first a comparison of conventional tumor suppressors and oncogenes between schizophrenia and cancer including glioma. This comparison determined schizophrenia has both tumor-suppressive and tumor-promoting characteristics. A second, larger comparison between brain-expressed microRNAs in schizophrenia with their expression in glioma was then performed. This identified a core carcinogenic group of miRNAs in schizophrenia offset by a larger group of tumor-suppressive miRNAs. This proposed "balance of power" between oncogenes and tumor suppressors could cause neuroinflammation. This was assessed by a third comparison between schizophrenia, glioma and inflammation in asbestos-related lung cancer and mesothelioma (ALRCM). This revealed that schizophrenia shares more oncogenic similarity to ALRCM than glioma.

Progress in targeting PTEN/PI3K/Akt axis in glioblastoma therapy: Revisiting molecular interactions

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most malignant cancers of central nervous system and due to its sensitive location, surgical resection has high risk and therefore, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are utilized for its treatment. However, chemoresistance and radio-resistance are other problems in GBM treatment. Hence, new therapies based on genes are recommended for treatment of GBM. PTEN is a tumor-suppressor operator in cancer that inhibits PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis in diminishing growth, metastasis and drug resistance. In the current review, the function of PTEN/PI3K/Akt axis in GBM progression is evaluated. Mutation or depletion of PTEN leads to increase in GBM progression. Low expression level of PTEN mediates poor prognosis in GBM and by increasing proliferation and invasion, promotes malignancy of tumor cells. Moreover, loss of PTEN signaling can result in therapy resistance in GBM. Activation of PTEN signaling impairs GBM metabolism via glycolysis inhibition. In contrast to PTEN, PI3K/Akt signaling has oncogenic function and during tumor progression, expression level of PI3K/Akt enhances. PI3K/Akt signaling shows positive association with oncogenic pathways and its expression similar to PTEN signaling, is regulated by non-coding RNAs. PTEN upregulation and PI3K/Akt signaling inhibition by anti-cancer agents can be beneficial in interfering GBM progression. This review emphasizes on the signaling networks related to PTEN/PI3K/Akt and provides new insights for targeting this axis in effective GBM treatment.

Targeting Options of Tumor-Associated Macrophages (TAM) Activity in Gliomas

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), the most plastic cells of the hematopoietic system, exhibit increased tumor-infiltrating properties and functional heterogeneity depending on tumor type and associated microenvironment. TAMs constitute a major cell type of cancer-related inflammation, commonly enhancing tumor growth. They are profoundly involved in glioma pathogenesis, contributing to many cancer hallmarks such as angiogenesis, survival, metastasis, and immunosuppression. Efficient targeting of TAMs presents a promising approach to tackle glioma progression. Several targeting options involve chemokine signaling axes inhibitors and antibodies, antiangiogenic factors, immunomodulatory molecules, surface immunoglobulins blockers, receptor and transcription factor inhibitors, as well as microRNAs (miRNAs), administered either as standalone or in combination with other conventional therapies. Herein, we provide a critical overview of current therapeutic approaches targeting TAMs in gliomas with the promising outcome.

Origin, activation, and targeted therapy of glioma-associated macrophages

The glioma tumor microenvironment plays a crucial role in the development, occurrence, and treatment of gliomas. Glioma-associated macrophages (GAMs) are the most widely infiltrated immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and one of the major cell populations that exert immune functions. GAMs typically originate from two cell types-brain-resident microglia (BRM) and bone marrow-derived monocytes (BMDM), depending on a variety of cytokines for recruitment and activation. GAMs mainly contain two functionally and morphologically distinct activation types- classically activated M1 macrophages (antitumor/immunostimulatory) and alternatively activated M2 macrophages (protumor/immunosuppressive). GAMs have been shown to affect multiple biological functions of gliomas, including promoting tumor growth and invasion, angiogenesis, energy metabolism, and treatment resistance. Both M1 and M2 macrophages are highly plastic and can polarize or interconvert under various malignant conditions. As the relationship between GAMs and gliomas has become more apparent, GAMs have long been one of the promising targets for glioma therapy, and many studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of this target. Here, we review the origin and activation of GAMs in gliomas, how they regulate tumor development and response to therapies, and current glioma therapeutic strategies targeting GAMs.

Hypoxia-Driven M2-Polarized Macrophages Facilitate Cancer Aggressiveness and Temozolomide Resistance in Glioblastoma

Hypoxia-induced M2 phenotypes of tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) promote the development and chemoresistance of multiple types of cancers, including glioblastoma (GBM). However, the detailed molecular mechanisms have not been fully understood. In this study, we firstly reported that hypoxic pressure promoted M2 macrophage generation, which further promoted cancer progression and temozolomide (TMZ) resistance in GBM through secreting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Specifically, the clinical data suggested that M2 macrophages were significantly enriched in GBM tissues compared with the adjacent normal tissues, and the following in vitro experiments validated that hypoxic pressure promoted M2-polarized macrophages through upregulating hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). In addition, hypoxic M2 macrophages VEGF-dependently promoted cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), glioblastoma stem cell (GSC) properties, and TMZ resistance in GBM cells through activating the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway. Also, M2 macrophages secreted VEGF to accelerate angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) through interacting with its receptor VEGFR. In general, we concluded that hypoxic M2 macrophages contributed to cancer progression, stemness, drug resistance, and angiogenesis in GBM through secreting VEGF, and our data supported the notion that targeting hypoxia-associated M2 macrophages might be an effective treatment strategy for GBM in clinical practices.

Microvesicles and Microvesicle-Associated microRNAs Reflect Glioblastoma Regression: Microvesicle-Associated miR-625-5p Has Biomarker Potential

Glioblastoma (GB) is the most aggressive and recurrent form of brain cancer in adults. We hypothesized that the identification of biomarkers such as certain microRNAs (miRNAs) and the circulating microvesicles (MVs) that transport them could be key to establishing GB progression, recurrence and therapeutic response. For this purpose, circulating MVs were isolated from the plasma of GB patients (before and after surgery) and of healthy subjects and characterized by flow cytometry. OpenArray profiling and the individual quantification of selected miRNAs in plasma and MVs was performed, followed by target genes’ prediction and in silico survival analysis. It was found that MVs’ parameters (number, EGFRvIII and EpCAM) decreased after the surgical resection of GB tumors, but the inter-patient variability was high. The expression of miR-106b-5p, miR-486-3p, miR-766-3p and miR-30d-5p in GB patients’ MVs was restored to control-like levels after surgery: miR-106b-5p, miR-486-3p and miR-766-3p were upregulated, while miR-30d-5p levels were downregulated after surgical resection. MiR-625-5p was only identified in MVs isolated from GB patients before surgery and was not detected in plasma. Target prediction and pathway analysis showed that the selected miRNAs regulate genes involved in cancer pathways, including glioma. In conclusion, miR-625-5p shows potential as a biomarker for GB regression or recurrence, but further in-depth studies are needed.

Hypoxic lung cancer cell-derived exosomal miR-21 mediates macrophage M2 polarization and promotes cancer cell proliferation through targeting IRF1

Background

Hypoxia is the hallmark of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and plays a critical role during the progress of tumor development. A variety of microRNAs (miRNAs) transmitted by tumor-derived exosomes were involved in intercellular communication. We aimed to elucidate the precise mechanism by which tumor cell-derived exosomes promote lung cancer development by affecting macrophage polarization under hypoxic conditions.

Methods

CD163 signal in tumor tissue from lung cancer patients was detected by immunohistochemical (IHC). The M2 polarization-related markers were assessed by flow cytometry and western blot. Exosomes were isolated from normoxic and hypoxic lung cancer cell culture and characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and western blot. RNA sequencing was performed to show the abnormally expressed miRNAs in exosomes from normoxic and hypoxic lung cancer cell culture. In addition, CCK-8 and clone formation assays were used to assess cell proliferation. Dual luciferase reporter assay was used to evaluate the relationship between miR-21 and IRF1. For in vivo experiment, the male nude mice were injected with H1299 cells with exosomes and miR-21 mimic treatment.

Results

Firstly, we found a strong CD163 signal in tumor tissue from lung cancer patients by IHC. Subsequently, we co-cultured lung cancer cell line H1299 with M0 macrophage THP-1 and found that H1299 in a hypoxic environment promoted THP-1 M2 polarization. PKH67 fluorescence staining experiments confirmed that exosomes of H1299 origin were able to enter THP-1 and induced M2 polarization. RNA sequencing of exosomes showed that miR-21 level was significantly higher in the hypoxic culture group compared to the normoxic group. Subsequent cellular assays showed that miR-21 inhibited the expression of IRF1 by targeting it. In addition, the overexpression of IRF1 reversed the role of miR-21 on macrophage M2 polarization. Finally, we have confirmed through animal experiments that either hypoxic environment or high miR-21 level promoted tumor progression.

Conclusions

High miR-21 level in hypoxic environments promoted macrophage M2 polarization and induced lung cancer progression through targeting IRF1.

MiR-106b-5p Attenuates Neuropathic Pain by Regulating the P2X4 Receptor in the Spinal Cord in Mice

The P2X4 receptor (P2X4R) can be upregulated after nerve injury, and its mediated spinal microglial activation makes a critical contribution to pathologically enhanced pain processing in the dorsal horn. Although some studies have partly clarified the mechanism underlying altered P2X4R expression, the specific mechanism is not well understood. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs which control gene expression by binding with their target mRNAs. Thus, in the present study, we investigated whether miRNA is involved in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain by regulating P2X4R. Our results showed that P2X4R was upregulated in the spinal dorsal horn of mice following spared nerve injury (SNI), and 69 miRNAs (46 upregulated and 23 downregulated miRNAs) were differentially expressed (fold change > 2.0, P < 0.05). P2X4R was found to be a major target of miR-106b-5p (one of the downregulated miRNAs) using bioinformatics technology; quantitative real-time PCR analysis confirmed the change in expression of miR-106b-5p, and dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed the correlation between them. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to show cell co-localization of P2X4R and miR-106b-5p in the spinal dorsal horn. Transfection with miR-106b-5p mimic into BV2 cells reversed the upregulation of P2X4R induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Moreover, miR-106b-5p overexpression significantly attenuated neuropathic pain induced by SNI, with decreased expression of P2X4R mRNA and protein in the spinal dorsal horn; intrathecal miR-106b-5p antagomir induced pain behaviors, and increased expression of P2X4R in the spinal dorsal horn of naïve mice. These data suggest that miR-106b-5p can serve as an important regulator of neuropathic pain development by targeting P2X4R.

Iron Activates cGAS-STING Signaling and Promotes Hepatic Inflammation

Iron deposition and chronic inflammation are associated with chronic liver diseases, such as alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and chronic hepatitis B and C. However, the relationship between iron deposition and chronic inflammation in these diseases is still unclear. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effect of iron on chronic inflammation in HepG2 cells and mice liver. We demonstrated that iron treatment enhanced the expression of cGAS, STING, and their downstream targets, including TBK1, IRF-3, and NF-κB in HepG2 cells and mice liver. We also found that treatment of HepG2 cells and mice with ferric ammonium citrate increased the expression of inflammatory cytokines, such as IFN-β. Finally, we found that genes involved in iron metabolism and the STING signaling pathway were up-regulated in liver cancer tissues, and the survival time of patients with high expression of these genes in tumor tissues was significantly shortened. These results suggest that iron overload may promote the progress of the chronic liver disease by activating cGAS-STING-mediated chronic inflammation, which provides a new idea for the development of drugs for the treatment of the chronic liver disease.

Spatiotemporal dynamics of a glioma immune interaction model

We report a mathematical model which depicts the spatiotemporal dynamics of glioma cells, macrophages, cytotoxic-T-lymphocytes, immuno-suppressive cytokine TGF-β and immuno-stimulatory cytokine IFN-γ through a system of five coupled reaction-diffusion equations. We performed local stability analysis of the biologically based mathematical model for the growth of glioma cell population and their environment. The presented stability analysis of the model system demonstrates that the temporally stable positive interior steady state remains stable under the small inhomogeneous spatiotemporal perturbations. The irregular spatiotemporal dynamics of gliomas, macrophages and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are discussed extensively and some numerical simulations are presented. Performed some numerical simulations in both one and two dimensional spaces. The occurrence of heterogeneous pattern formation of the system has both biological and mathematical implications and the concepts of glioma cell progression and invasion are considered. Simulation of the model shows that by increasing the value of time, the glioma cell population, macrophages and cytotoxic-T-lymphocytes spread throughout the domain.

The impact of non-coding RNAs on macrophage polarization

Macrophage polarization is a process through which macrophages attain unique functional features as a response to certain stimuli from their niche. Lipopolysaccharide and Th1 cytokines induce generation of M1 macrophages. On the other hand, IL-4, IL-13, IL-10, IL-33, and TGF-β induce polarization of macrophages towards M2 phenotype. This process is also modulated by a number of miRNAs and lncRNAs. miR-375, miR-let7, miR-34a, miR-155, miR-124, miR-34a, miR-511-3p, miR-99a, miR-132 and miR-145-3p are among miRNAs that regulate macrophage polarization. Meanwhile, macrophage polarization is influenced by some lncRNAs such as H19, NRON, MEG3, GAS5, RN7SK, and AK085865. Macrophage polarization has functional significance in a wide range of human disorders particularly immune disorders and cancer. In addition, the effect of certain drugs in modulation of macrophage polarization is exerted through modulation of expression of non-coding RNAs. In the current manuscript, we provide a summary of studies aimed to identification of this aspect of non-coding RNAs.

Macrophages/Microglia in the Glioblastoma Tumor Microenvironment

The complex interaction between glioblastoma and its microenvironment has been recognized for decades. Among various immune profiles, the major population is tumor-associated macrophage, with microglia as its localized homolog. The present definition of such myeloid cells is based on a series of cell markers. These good sentinel cells experience significant changes, facilitating glioblastoma development and protecting it from therapeutic treatments. Huge, complicated mechanisms are involved during the overall processes. A lot of effort has been dedicated to crack the mysterious codes in macrophage/microglia recruiting, activating, reprogramming, and functioning. We have made our path. With more and more key factors identified, a lot of new therapeutic methods could be explored to break the ominous loop, to enhance tumor sensitivity to treatments, and to improve the prognosis of glioblastoma patients. However, it might be a synergistic system rather than a series of clear, stepwise events. There are still significant challenges before the light of truth can shine onto the field. Here, we summarize recent advances in this field, reviewing the path we have been on and where we are now.

Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Its Related miRNAs in Tumor Progression

MiRNA is a type of small non-coding RNA, by regulating downstream gene expression that affects the progression of multiple diseases, especially cancer. MiRNA can participate in the biological processes of tumor, including proliferation, invasion and escape, and exhibit tumor enhancement or inhibition. The tumor immune microenvironment contains numerous immune cells. These cells include lymphocytes with tumor suppressor effects such as CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells, as well as some tumor-promoting cells with immunosuppressive functions, such as regulatory T cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. MiRNA can affect the tumor immune microenvironment by regulating the function of immune cells, which in turn modulates the progression of tumor cells. Investigating the role of miRNA in regulating the tumor immune microenvironment will help elucidate the specific mechanisms of interaction between immune cells and tumor cells, and may facilitate the use of miRNA as a predictor of immune disorders in tumor progression. This review summarizes the multifarious roles of miRNA in tumor progression through regulation of the tumor immune microenvironment, and provides guidance for the development of miRNA drugs to treat tumors and for the use of miRNA as an auxiliary means in tumor immunotherapy.