HMGB1 Positive Feedback Loop Between Cancer Cells and Tumor-Associated Macrophages Promotes Osteosarcoma Migration and Invasion

Numerous studies have demonstrated the key roles of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in os-teosarcoma metastasis. Higher levels of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) promote osteosarcoma progression. However, whether HMGB1 is involved in the polarization of M2 macrophages into M1 macrophages in osteosarcoma remains largely unknown. Here, HMGB1 and CD206 mRNA expression levels were measured by a quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in osteosar-coma tissues and cells. HMGB1 and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) protein expression levels were measured by western blotting. Osteosarcoma migration was measured using transwell and wound-healing assays, while a transwell assay determined osteosarcoma invasion. Macrophage subtypes were detected using flow cytometry. HMGB1 expression levels were aberrantly enhanced in osteosarcoma tissues compared with normal tissues and were positively correlated with AJCC III and IV stages, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis. Silencing HMGB1 inhibited the migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of osteosarcoma cells. Furthermore, reduced HMGB1 expression levels in conditioned media derived from osteosarcoma cells induced the polarization of M2 TAMs to M1 TAMs. In addition, silencing HMGB1 inhibited the liver and lung metastasis of tumors and reduced the expression levels of HMGB1, CD163, and CD206 in vivo. HMGB1 was found to regulate macrophage polarization through RAGE. Polarized M2 macrophages induced osteosarcoma migration and invasion, activating HMGB1 expression in osteosarcoma cells to form a positive feedback loop. In conclusion, HMGB1 and M2 macrophages enhanced osteosarcoma migra-tion, invasion, and EMT through positive feedback regulation. These findings reveal the significance of tumor cell and TAM interactions in the metastatic microenvironment.(c) 2022 United States & Canadian Academy of Pathology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study found that high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is overexpressed in osteosarcoma tissues and is positively correlated with AJCC III and IV stages, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis. HMGB1 regulates macrophage polarization through the receptor RAGE. Polarized M2 macrophages induce osteosarcoma migration and invasion, activating HMGB1 expression in osteosarcoma cells to form a positive feedback regulation.