Exosomal MiR-423–3p inhibits macrophage M2 polarization to suppress the malignant progression of cervical cancer

Abstract

BackgroundCervical cancer (CC) is the leading cause of death among women-related cancers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) exerting important impacts in the development of CC is widely recognized. MiR-423–3p was found to be with low expression in the plasma exosomes of patients with CC. Exo-miRNAs have been documented to be potential modulators of cancer progression, and exosomes have been reported to be associated with macrophage polarization. AimWe aim to verify the potential function exosomal miR-423–3p may exert in CC cells as well as its underlying mechanism. MethodsA co-culture model of exosomes and CC cells was established and the function of exosomal miR-423–3p was verified through Transwell, colony formation and other assays. A co-culture model of exosomes and macrophages, together with mechanism experiments in vitro and in vivo was taken to verify the molecular mechanism of exosomal miR-423–3p in CC. ResultsExosomal miR-423–3p inhibited macrophage M2 polarization so as to suppress CC cell progression as well as tumor growth. MiR-423–3p regulated macrophage M2 polarization by targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) mRNA, and it inhibited the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) via CDK4 to silence Interleukin 6 (IL-6) expression. ConclusionExosomal miR-423–3p inhibited macrophage M2 polarization to suppress the progression of CC cells.