The Leupaxin/HDAC6/EGR2 axis facilitates breast cancer progression by enhancing macrophage M2 polarization

Macrophage M2 polarization plays a pivotal role in breast cancer development. The present study aimed to investigate the interplay of the Leupaxin (LPXN)/HDAC6/EGR2 axis in breast cancer and its impact on macrophage M2 polarization. Our findings indicate that LPXN overexpression in breast cancer tissues correlates with M2 macrophage polarization. To investigate LPXN's potential role, we conducted siRNA-mediated silencing in macrophages. In a breast cancer cell-macrophage co-culture system, LPXN silencing was associated with reduced cancer cell proliferation, decreased M2 polarization markers, and diminished HDAC6 expression. BIOGRD and experimental data suggest a regulatory relationship between LPXN and HDAC6. Notably, HDAC6 inhibition partially reversed the pro-M2 effects of LPXN overexpression. Further mechanistic studies revealed that HDAC6 interacts with EGR2, functioning as its deacetylase and negatively regulating EGR2 expression. EGR2 silencing partially attenuated the anti-M2 effects observed with LPXN knockdown. In murine breast cancer models, LPXN silencing was linked to increased M1 macrophage markers and reduced tumor burden. These findings suggest LPXN may influence breast cancer progression through HDAC6/EGR2-mediated regulation of macrophage polarization. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the LPXN/HDAC6/EGR2 axis promotes breast cancer progression by augmenting macrophage M2 polarization.