Exosomal miR-380 derived from alveolar macrophages in COPD is involved in enhanced proliferation of human bronchial epithelial cells

Abstract

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is closely related to the occurrence of lung cancer. Both diseases involve changes in the biological function and structure of bronchial epithelial cells. Recently, the role of exosomes in intercellular communication has attracted increasing attention from researchers. As an important molecule carried by exosomes, the role of exosomal miRNAs in diseases such as COPD and lung cancer has also been gradually confirmed. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of exosomal miRNA derived from macrophages on the proliferation of bronchial epithelial cells. Results After co-culture with alveolar macrophages from COPD, the proliferative activity and migration capacity of 16HBE was significantly enhanced compared with those from healthy controls. Alveolar macrophages from COPD promoted the production of MUC5AC, MUC5B and MUC2 as well as TNF - α and IL-6 in 16HBE. MiR-380 was up-regulated miRNA in exosomes derived from alveolar macrophages through miRNA array analysis. Exosomal miR-380 enhanced the proliferation and migration of 16HBE, promoted the expression of mucins such as MUC5AC, MUC5B and MUC2 of 16HBE, but inhibited the expression of CFTR protein. The target gene of miR-380 was CFTR. The proliferative activity and migration ability of 16HBE was enhanced by blocking CFTR. Conclusions Alveolar macrophages from COPD can enhance the proliferation and migration of 16HBE and promote the expression of mucin and proinflammatory mediators such as IL-6 and TNF-α. Exosomal miR-380 derived from macrophages in COPD was significantly up-regulated. The enhancement of proliferation and migration may be related to the down regulation of CFTR by exosomes delivering miR-380 to bronchial epithelial cells, opening a new way for the therapy and prevention in COPD and its complication.