BMP5 mediates macrophage-driven Oral leukoplakia carcinogenesis

Area of Science:

• Oral Oncology
• Cancer Biology
• Immunology

Background:

• Oral leukoplakia (OLK) is a potentially malignant disorder.
• Malignant transformation risk correlates with epithelial dysplasia severity.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate the role of the macrophage-BMP5 axis in OLK carcinogenesis.
• Determine the impact of macrophage depletion and BMP5 modulation on OLK progression.

Main Methods:

• Established a macrophage-depleted 4NQO-induced OLK model.
• Utilized RNA-sequencing, immunostaining, and TUNEL staining.
• Performed in vitro and in vivo functional assays with BMP5 manipulation.

Main Results:

• Macrophage depletion inhibited OLK carcinogenesis and upregulated BMP5.
• BMP5 overexpression suppressed oral lesion progression and induced apoptosis in Leuk1 cells.
• BMP5 knockdown reversed the protective effects of macrophage depletion.

Conclusions:

• The macrophage-BMP5 axis is implicated in OLK carcinogenesis.
• Modulating this axis offers potential therapeutic strategies for OLK.