miR‑124 targets retinoid X receptor α to reduce growth of TSC2‑deficient lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare neoplastic disease that leads to progressive destruction of lung function. However, the mechanisms underlying the progression of LAM remain unknown. Recent studies demonstrated that miR‑124‑3p (hereinafter referred to as miR‑124) is a downregulated miRNA in tumors and it is still unclear whether miR‑124 participates in LAM. In the present study, it was revealed that miR‑124 was downregulated in LAM specimens and overexpression of miR‑124 resulted in the apoptosis of TSC2‑deficient cells via RXRα (retinoid X receptor α), while slightly influencing TSC2 wild‑type cells. Furthermore, a xenograft model demonstrated that the miR‑124/RXRα axis regulated the growth and fatty acid oxidation genes in TSC2‑null cells. Altogether, our results revealed the suppressive functions and mechanisms of miR‑124 in LAM progression, providing novel therapeutic targets for LAM treatment.