Tumor cells-derived exosomal circVCP promoted the progression of colorectal cancer by regulating macrophage M1/M2 polarization

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most frequent tumors of the digestive tract and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are one of the most critical immune cells in the tumor microenvironment, which closely interact with tumor cells to promote tumor incidence and progression. However, the precise mechanism of action between CRC cells and TAMs polarization is still being investigated. METHODS: Transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), NanoSight and western blotting were used to characterize exosomes (Exo) isolated from the culture medium of CRC cells. The cellular uptake and internalization of Exo were detected by confocal laser scanning microscopy. M1/ M2 phenotype markers expression were examined by ELISA and flow cytometry. Cell migration, invasion and proliferation were determined by transwell and CCK-8 assay, respectively. A xenograft tumor model was established to explore the role of circVCP in vivo. The target genes of circVCP or miR-9-5p were predicted by StarBase2.0. The target association among miR-9-5p and circVCP or NRP1 was confirmed using the luciferase assay and RNA-pull down assay. RESULTS: circVCP was highly accumulated in exosomes derived from plasma of CRC patients and CRC cells. Additionally, exosomal circVCP derived from CRC cells promoted cell proliferation, migration and invasion by regulating the miR-9-5p/NRP1 axis, and induced macrophage M2 polarization and inhibited macrophage M1 polarization. CONCLUSIONS: Over-expressed exosomal circVCP promoted the progression of CRC by regulating macrophage M1/M2 polarization through miR-9-5p/NRP1 axis. CircVCP may be a diagnostic biomarker and potential target for CRC therapy.