miR-508-5p regulates macrophage polarization via targeting TSGA10 to promote malignant behavior in esophageal cancer cells

Esophageal cancer (EC) is among the deadliest malignancies in humans, with various miRNAs shown to regulate its progression by targeting distinct genes. miR-508-5p was identified as being linked to the malignant behavior of various tumors. Nevertheless, the precise role and mechanism of miR-508-5p in esophageal cancer (EC) remain ambiguous. This investigation focuses on the role and mechanism of the miR-508-5p/TSGA10 axis in the progression of EC. The expression of miR-508-5p and TSGA10 in EC cell lines was evaluated using quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell transfection techniques were used to knock down miR-508-5p and observe its effects on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was conducted to verify the targeting relationship of miR-508-5p with TSGA10. Co-culture studies were undertaken to examine the regulatory effect of the miR-508-5p/TSGA10 axis on the polarization state of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and the malignant behavior of EC cells. The expression of miR-508-5p was significantly elevated in EC cells. Knocking down miR-508-5p curbed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoting apoptosis. TSGA10 was validated as a primary target gene of miR-508-5p. miR-508-5p knockdown could inhibit the M2 polarization of TAMs by upregulating TSGA10, thereby suppressing the tumorigenic behavior of EC cells. miR-508-5p promotes the M2 polarization of TAMs and enhances the malignant behavior of EC cells by inhibiting TSGA10.