Dysregulation of the miR-324-5p-CUEDC2 axis leads to macrophage dysfunction and is associated with colon cancer

Cell Rep. 2014 Jun 26;7(6):1982-93. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.05.007. Epub 2014 May 29.

Abstract

CUEDC2, a CUE-domain-containing protein, modulates inflammation, but its involvement in tumorigenesis is still poorly understood. Here, we report that CUEDC2 is a key regulator of macrophage function and critical for protection against colitis-associated tumorigenesis. CUEDC2 expression is dramatically upregulated during macrophage differentiation, and CUEDC2 deficiency results in excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines. The level of CUEDC2 in macrophages is modulated by miR- 324-5p. We find that Cuedc2 KO mice are more susceptible to dextran-sodium-sulfate-induced colitis, and macrophage transplantation results suggest that the increased susceptibility results from the dysfunction of macrophages lacking CUEDC2. Furthermore, we find that Cuedc2 KO mice are more prone to colitis-associated cancer. Importantly, CUEDC2 expression is almost undetectable in macrophages in human colon cancer, and this decreased CUEDC2 expression is associated with high levels of interleukin-4 and miR-324-5p. Thus, CUEDC2 plays a crucial role in modulating macrophage function and is associated with both colitis and colon tumorigenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Animals
  • Carrier Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / immunology
  • Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
  • Colitis / genetics
  • Colitis / immunology
  • Colitis / metabolism
  • Colitis / pathology
  • Colonic Neoplasms / genetics
  • Colonic Neoplasms / immunology
  • Colonic Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Macrophage Activation
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Macrophages / metabolism*
  • Macrophages / pathology
  • Membrane Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / immunology
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Repressor Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics
  • Repressor Proteins / immunology
  • Repressor Proteins / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • CUEDC2 protein, human
  • CUEDC2 protein, mouse
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • MicroRNAs
  • Repressor Proteins