MiR-181a regulates blood-tumor barrier permeability by targeting Krüppel-like factor 6

J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2014 Nov;34(11):1826-36. doi: 10.1038/jcbfm.2014.152. Epub 2014 Sep 3.

Abstract

Blood-tumor barrier (BTB) constitutes an efficient organization of tight junctions that impairs the delivery of therapeutic drugs. However, the methods and molecular mechanisms underlying the BTB opening remain elusive. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently emerged as key regulators of various biologic processes and therapeutic targets. In this study, we have identified microRNA-181a (miR-181a) as a critical miRNA in opening BTB. MicroRNA-181a expression was upregulated in glioma endothelial cells (GECs), which were obtained by coculturing endothelial cells (ECs) with glioma cells. Overexpression of miR-181a resulted in an impaired and permeability increased BTB, and meanwhile reduced the expression of zonula occluden (ZO)-1, occludin, and claudin-5. Kruppel-like factor 6 (KLF6), a transcription factor of the zinc-finger family, was downregulated in GECs. Mechanistic investigations defined it as a direct and functional downstream target of miR-181a, which was involved in the regulation of BTB permeability and the expression of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-5. Furthermore, luciferase assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that KLF6 upregulated the promoter activities and interacted with the promoters of ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-5 in GECs. Collectively, we showed the possibility that overexpression of miR-181a contributes to the increased permeability of BTB by targeting KLF6, thereby revealing potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of brain gliomas.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms* / blood supply
  • Brain Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Brain Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Brain Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Capillary Permeability*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Claudin-5 / genetics
  • Claudin-5 / metabolism
  • Endothelial Cells* / metabolism
  • Endothelial Cells* / pathology
  • Glioma* / blood supply
  • Glioma* / genetics
  • Glioma* / metabolism
  • Glioma* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Kruppel-Like Factor 6
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / metabolism*
  • RNA, Neoplasm / genetics
  • RNA, Neoplasm / metabolism*
  • Zonula Occludens-1 Protein / genetics
  • Zonula Occludens-1 Protein / metabolism

Substances

  • CLDN5 protein, human
  • Claudin-5
  • KLF6 protein, human
  • Kruppel-Like Factor 6
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors
  • MIrn181 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • RNA, Neoplasm
  • TJP1 protein, human
  • Zonula Occludens-1 Protein