CCL18 derived from M2-polarized tumor-associated macrophages promotes endometrial cancer progression by activating the TWIST1/HMGA1 axis.

Abstract

CCL18, originating from M2-polarized tumor-associated macrophages (M2-TAMs) is recognized for its vital role in endometrial cancer (EC) development. Nonetheless, its precise mechanisms remain largely undefined. The primary objective of this research was to elucidate the underlying mechanism of M2-TAM-isolated CCL18 in EC progression. TWIST1 and HMGA1 expressions were assessed in EC tissues and cells by qRT-PCR or western blotting. M2 macrophages were differentiated from human monocyte THP-1 cells, and characterized via flow cytometry and western blotting. CCL18 levels were evaluated using western blotting and ELISA assay. CCK8, Transwell, and wound healing assays were employed to assess EC cell vitality, invasion, and migration, respectively, while western blotting was utilized to measure related protein markers. The binding relationship between TWIST1 and HMGA1 was validated via ChIP and dual-luciferase reporter assays. TWIST1 and HMGA1 were increased in EC tissues and cells. After being treated with M2-TAM-isolated CCL18, EC cell vitality, migration, and invasion were enhanced. Additionally, CCL18 derived from M2-TAM upregulated TWIST1 levels in EC cells. Further mechanistic analyses unveiled that TWIST could positively regulate HMGA1 in EC cells. Notably, HMGA1 knockdown restrained the malignancy of EC cells, which was reversed by TWIST1 overexpression. M2-TAM-isolated CCL18 facilitated EC progression by activating the TWIST1/HMGA1 axis. These observations might offer new directions for developing targeted curative interventions for EC.