MiR-16 regulates the pro-tumorigenic potential of lung fibroblasts through the inhibition of HGF production in an FGFR-1- and MEK1-dependent manner

Fibroblasts are crucial mediators of tumor-stroma cross-talk through synthesis and remodeling of the extracellular matrix and production of multiple soluble factors. Nonetheless, little is still known about specific determinants of fibroblast pro-tumorigenic activity in lung cancer. Here, we aimed at understanding the role of miRNAs, which are often altered in stromal cells, in reprogramming fibroblasts towards a tumor-supporting phenotype.

We employed a co-culture-based high-throughput screening to identify specific miRNAs modulating the pro-tumorigenic potential of lung fibroblasts. Multiplex assays and ELISA were instrumental to study the effect of miRNAs on the secretome of both primary and immortalized lung fibroblasts from lung cancer patients and to evaluate plasmatic levels of HGF in heavy smokers. Direct mRNA targeting by miRNAs was investigated through dual-luciferase reporter assay and western blot. Finally, the pro-tumorigenic activity of fibroblasts and their conditioned media was tested by employing in vitro migration experiments and mouse xenografts.

We identified miR-16 as a master regulator of fibroblast secretome and showed that its upregulation reduces HGF secretion by fibroblasts, impairing their capacity to promote cancer cell migration. This effect is due to a pleiotropic activity of miR-16 which prevents HGF expression through direct inhibition of FGFR-1 signaling and targeting of HGF mRNA. Mechanistically, miR-16 targets FGFR-1 downstream mediator MEK1, thus reducing ERK1/2 activation. Consistently, chemical or genetic inhibition of FGFR-1 mimics miR-16 activity and prevents HGF production. Of note, we report that primary fibroblast cell lines derived from lungs of heavy smokers express reduced miR-16 levels compared to those from lungs not exposed to smoke and that HGF concentration in heavy smokers’ plasma correlates with levels of tobacco exposure. Finally, in vivo experiments confirmed that restoration of miR-16 expression in fibroblasts reduced their ability to promote tumor growth and that HGF plays a central role in the pro-tumorigenic activity of fibroblasts.

Overall, these results uncover a central role for miR-16 in regulating HGF production by lung fibroblasts, thus affecting their pro-tumorigenic potential. Correlation between smoking exposure and miR-16 levels could provide novel clues regarding the formation of a tumor-proficient milieu during the early phases of lung cancer development.