MicroRNA-155 contributes to plexiform neurofibroma growth downstream of MEK

Oncogene. 2021 Feb;40(5):951-963. doi: 10.1038/s41388-020-01581-9. Epub 2020 Dec 8.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRs) are small non-coding RNAs that can have large impacts on oncogenic pathways. Possible functions of dysregulated miRs have not been studied in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) plexiform neurofibromas (PNFs). In PNFs, Schwann cells (SCs) have biallelic NF1 mutations necessary for tumorigenesis. We analyzed a miR microarray comparing with normal and PNF SCs and identified differences in miR expression, and we validated in mouse PNFs versus normal mouse SCs by qRT-PCR. Among these, miR-155 was a top overexpressed miR, and its expression was regulated by RAS/MAPK signaling. Overexpression of miR-155 increased mature Nf1-/- mouse SC proliferation. In SC precursors, which model tumor-initiating cells, pharmacological and genetic inhibition of miR-155 decreased PNF-derived sphere numbers in vitro, and we identified Maf as a miR-155 target. In vivo, global deletion of miR-155 significantly decreased tumor number and volume, increasing mouse survival. Fluorescent nanoparticles entered PNFs, suggesting that an anti-miR might have therapeutic potential. However, treatment of established PNFs using anti-miR-155 peptide nucleic acid-loaded nanoparticles marginally decreased tumor numbers and did not reduce tumor growth. These results suggest that miR-155 plays a functional role in PNF growth and/or SC proliferation, and that targeting neurofibroma miRs is feasible, and might provide novel therapeutic opportunities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinogenesis / genetics
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Proliferation / genetics
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases / genetics*
  • Neurofibroma / genetics*
  • Neurofibroma / pathology
  • Neurofibromin 1 / genetics*
  • Schwann Cells / metabolism
  • Schwann Cells / pathology

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • Mirn155 microRNA, mouse
  • Neurofibromin 1
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinases