MicroRNA-124 induces AML differentiation and apoptosis through c-Myc suppression.

[BACKGROUND] Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematologic malignancy marked by blocked differentiation and uncontrolled proliferation. While miR-124 has been implicated as a tumor suppressor in various cancers, its functional role in AML remains unclear.

[OBJECTIVE] This study aimed to investigate the anti-leukemic effects of miR-124 and its regulatory mechanisms involving c-Myc and ROS signaling in AML.

[METHODS] AML cells were engineered to overexpress miR-124. Functional assays including flow cytometry, viability, and apoptosis analyses were conducted. ROS levels were measured, and c-Myc regulation was evaluated via western blotting, qPCR, ChIP, and pharmacological inhibition. Exosome-mediated delivery was also examined.

[RESULTS] miR-124 overexpression induced AML cell differentiation and apoptosis, accompanied by ROS accumulation and c-Myc downregulation. ROS induction suppressed c-Myc and activated the p21/p16/Rb axis, promoting cell cycle arrest. ChIP assays revealed that c-Myc binds the miR-124 promoter, indicating a negative feedback loop. Combination treatment with miR-124 and a c-Myc inhibitor enhanced anti-proliferative effects. Additionally, miR-124-containing exosomes reduced AML cell viability.

[CONCLUSIONS] miR-124 acts as a tumor suppressor in AML by modulating a ROS-dependent c-Myc signaling pathway and inducing differentiation and apoptosis. These findings highlight miR-124 as a promising therapeutic and prognostic target in AML.