Effects of CENP-W down-regulation on human glioma U87 cells

AIM: To study the effect of centromere protein W (CENP-W) down-regulation on human glioma U87 cells.METHODS: Small interfering RNA (siRNA) was used to inhibit the expression of CENP-W in the U87 cells. The interference effect of siRNA was evaluated by RT-qPCR and Western blot. The proliferation of the cells was analyzed by MTT assay, BrdU staining and colony formation experiment. Transwell chamber assay was used to detect the invasion ability of the cells. The cell migration ability was measured by a scratch test. The changes of the cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry.RESULTS: The results of MTT assay, colony formation experiment and BrdU staining showed that the cell proliferation and colony formation abilities in experimental group were significantly lower than those in control group and negative control group. The results of Transwell and scratch experiments showed that the migration and invasion abilities in experimental group were weaker than those in blank control group and negative control group. The results of flow cytometry analysis showed that the cell cycle distribution in experimental group was arrested in G₀/G₁ phase. The percentage of apoptotic cells in experimental group was higher than that in control group (P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Down-regulation of CENP-W expression inhibits the proliferation, migration and invasion of human glioma cells and promotes the apoptosis of the cells, suggesting that CENP-W may be a potential target of gene therapy for human glioma.     

Long non-coding RNA TTTY15 expression in osteosarcoma and its effect on viability and invasion ability of osteosarcoma cells

AIM:To observe the expression of long noncoding RNA TTTY15 in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines and to explore its effect on the viability and invasion ability of osteosarcoma cell lines. METHODS:qPCR was used to detect the expression of TTTY15 in 11 cases of osteosarcoma and its adjacent tissues. The mRNA levels of TTTY15 in osteosarcoma cell lines (143B, Saos2, MG-63, U2OS and HOS) and human osteoblast cell line hFOB1.19 were also tested. TTTY15 was down-regulated after transfected with small interfering RNA in MG-63 cells, the cell line with the highest level of TTTY15. The effect of TTTY15 knockdown on the viability of MG-63 cells was measured by CCK-8 assay. The cell cycle distribution was analyzed by flow cytometry. The effect of TTTY15 knockdown on the cell invasion ability was detected by Transwell assay. The levels of miR-216b-5p and FOXM1 mRNA were detected by qPCR, and the changes of the related proteins were determined by Western blot. RESULTS:Compared with the adjacent tissues, the expression of TTTY15 increased in the osteosarcoma tissues (P<0.01). Compared with the human osteoblast cell line, the expression of TTTY15 increased in the osteosarcoma cell lines (P<0.05), and the level of TTTY15 in the MG-63 cells was the highest (P<0.01). After knockdown of TTTY15 expression in the MG-63 cells, the cell viability was decreased (P<0.05), cell cycle progression was inhibited (P<0.01), and the cell invasion ability was decreased (P<0.01). The expression of miR-216b-5p was increased (P<0.01) and the expression of FOXM1 mRNA was decreased (P<0.01). The protein expression of FOXM1, CDK4, cyclin D1, MMP-2 and N-cadherin was decreased, while the protein expression of E-cadherin was increased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:The expression of TTTY15 is increased in the osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines. The low expression of TTTY15 inhibits the cell viability and invasion ability of osteosarcoma cells. The possible mechanism is that the knockdown of TTTY15 expression results in the increase in miR-216b-5p expression and the down-regulation of FOXM1 expression.     

MK-2206, an inhibitor of Akt,induced cell apoptosis and autophagy in U2OS cells

AIM：To observe the effect of MK-2206, an inhibitor of Akt, on the cell apoptosis and autophagy of U2OS cells. METHODS：The cell viability was detected by MTT assay. The cell apoptosis was analyzed by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay. The expression of LC3-II was examined by Western blotting. RESULTS：MK-2206 inhibited the cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. MK-2206 induced the cell apoptosis via activation of caspase-3, caspase-9 and PARP. MK-2206 treatment substantially induced the U2OS cell autophagy by increasing in the levels of LC3-II. Blockage of autophagy using chloroquine magnified MK-2206-induced cell death in U2OS cells. CONCLUSION：The Akt inhibitor MK-2206 induces cell apoptosis and autophagy. Blocking autophagy magnifies MK-2206-induced the inhibition of the viability in U2OS cells.     

Effects of p21-activated protein kinase 2 down-regulation on proliferation and apoptosis of human breast cancer cells

AIM：To study the effect of p21-activated protein kinase 2 (PAK2) knockdown by RNA interference on the proliferation and apoptosis of human breast cancer cells. METHODS：The short hairpin RNA (shRNA) targeting PAK2 gene was designed and used for packing lentivirus in 293T cells.Human breast cancer MCF-7 cells were infected by the virus particles and PAK2 knockdown stable cell line was established by puromycin selection. The knockdown efficiency was assessed by Western blotting. The proliferation ability of MCF-7 cells was evaluated by CellTiter 96 AQueous and anchorage-independent growth assays. The cell apoptosis induced by staurosporine was detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS：The protein level of PAK2 was significantly suppressed after silencing of PAK2 gene in MCF-7 cells (P<0.01). Furthermore, knockdown of PAK2 caused remarkable inhibition of the cell proliferation and colony formation (P<0.01). Staurosporine induced more apoptosis in the PAK2 knockdown cells compared with the control cells (P<0.01). CONCLUSION：Knockdown of PAK2 inhibits the proliferation of MCF-7 cells and increases the sensitivity of chemotherapeutic drug-induced cell apoptosis, suggesting that PAK2 might be a new therapeutic target in breast cancer treatment.     

Effects of shRNA targeting SIAH2 gene on proliferation and apoptosis of human hepatoma cell line HepG2

AIM：To investigate the effects of shRNA-mediated seven in absentia homolog 2 (SIAH2; one of ubiquitin ligases) gene silencing on cell cycle and apoptosis of human hepatoma cell line HepG2. METHODS：The specific recombinant vector pGenesil-SIAH2 was transiently transfected into HepG2 cells with Lipofectamine 2000. RT-PCR and Western blotting were performed to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of SIAH2. MTS assay was employed to evaluate the cell proliferation. Flow cytometry was used to determine the cell cycle and apoptosis of the transfected cells. RESULTS：Compared with control groups, the mRNA and protein levels of SIAH2 were reduced by pGenesil-SIAH2 transfection in HepG2-SIAH2 group. The proliferation of HepG2-SIAH2 cells was significantly inhibited. The percentage of G1-phase cells and the early apoptotic rate were significantly higher in HepG2-SIAH2 cells. CONCLUSION: Tansfection of pGenesil-SIAH2 effectively inhibits the proliferation of HepG2 cells, arrests the cells in G1 phase and induces apoptosis, indicating an experimental basis of SIAH2-targeting gene therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.     

Expression of calpain 2 and Bax in rat fibrotic liver tissues

AIM：To observe the expression of calpain 2 and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in rat fibrotic liver tissues and to explore their effects on hepatic fibrosis.
METHODS：Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (each n=10): 4-week control group, 8-week control group, 4-week liver fibrosis group and 8-week liver fibrosis group. Liver fibrosis model was induced by subcutaneous injection of 40% CCl4 (3 mL/kg) every 3 days for 4 or 8 weeks. The apoptosis of hepatocytes was detected by TUNEL. Additionally, the mRNA expression of calpain 2 and bax was determined by real-time PCR, and the protein expression of calpain 2 and Bax was determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. RESULTS：Real-time PCR showed that the mRNA expression of calpain 2 and bax in liver tissues was elevated in 4-week and 8-week liver fibrosis groups. The results of immunohistochemistry and Western blotting revealed that there was no difference of calpain 2 protein expression in liver tissues between 4-week liver fibrosis group and control group, but that in 8-week liver fibrosis group was obviously increased. The protein expression of Bax in 4-week and 8-week liver fibrosis groups was higher than that in control groups. Additionally, the numbers of apoptotic hepatocytes in 4-week and 8-week liver fibrosis groups were obviously increased compared with control groups.CONCLUSION：Calpain 2 and Bax may play important roles in the process of liver fibrosis.     

Zoledronic acid inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in U937 cells

AIM: To study the antiproliferation and proapoptotic effects of zoledronic acid(ZOL) on human acute myeloid leukemia cell line U937. METHODS: The viability of U937 cells was detected by CCK-8 assay. The cell cycle of the U937 cells was analyzed by flow cytometry with PI staining. Apoptotic rate was assessed by flow cytometry with Annexin V-PI and Hoechst 33342 staining. Mitochondrial membrane potential was detected by JC-1 assay. Methylcellulose was used to assess colony formation. The protein levels of p21, Bcl-2 and Bax were determined by Western blot. RESULTS: ZOL inhibited the viability of U937 cells. ZOL induced S-phase cell cycle arrest in the U937 cells. The results of flow cytometry analysis with Annexin V-PI and Hoechst 33342 staining showed that ZOL also induced apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Mitochondrial membrane potential assay was also used to verify the apoptosis. The apoptotic rate was consistent with the reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential. Colony formation assay showed that ZOL significantly inhibited the colony formation capacity of the U937 cells. This was achieved by the induction of S-phase cell cycle arrest, and up-regulation of Bax and p21, and down-regulation of Bcl-2. CONCLUSION: ZOL inhibits cell proliferation by regulating the expression of cell cycle-related protein, and induces apoptosis via the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.     

Effects of silencing of COX-2 gene expression by siRNA on cell proliferation,cell cycles,apoptosis and tumorigenicity of human pancreatic cancer Capan-2 cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of silencing of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) gene expression by siRNA on the proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle and tumorigenicity of human pancreatic cancer Capan-2 cells.METHODS: The gene transfection was performed using Lipofectamine 2000 (Lipo). The proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle of Capan-2 cells were tested by the methods of cell counting, microscopy and FCM. The mRNA expression of COX-2 was determined by RT-PCR and real-time PCR. The protein level of COX-2 was detected by Western blotting. The tumorigenicity of Capan-2 cells transfected with siRNA-COX-2 was determined using the model of nude mice. RESULTS: Transfection efficiency of 96.47% was obtained under the conditions that the transfection volume was 2 mL, concentration of Lipo was 5 μL and that of siRNA-COX-2 was 50 nmol/L. The best sequence of siRNA-COX-2 for silencing of COX-2 gene expression was siRNA006 with the silencing rate of up to 73% 24 h after tansfection. siRNA-COX-2 slowed down the growth of Capan-2 cells 48 h after transfection (P<0.05). At time points of 48 h and 72 h after transfection, the protein expression of COX-2 was down-regulated to 67% and 61% of the normal level, the proliferation inhibition rate was 35.48% and 56.32%, and the apoptotic rate was 2.03% and 3.27%, respectively. At time points of 24 h, 48 h and 72 h after transfection, the proportion of the cells in G₀/G₁ phrase was 58.03%, 63.31% and 65.66%, and that of the cells in S phase was 30.27%, 24.87% and 22.2%, respectively. The mean volume and weight of tumor tissues were remarkably decreased due to the transplantation of Capan-2 cells transfected with siRNA-COX-2.CONCLUSION: siRNA-COX-2 effectively silences the expression of COX-2 gene, inhibits the growth and decreases the tumorigenicity of Capan-2 cells.     

Effect of small interfering RNA on expression of β2M in pre-differentiated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

AIM：To study the effect of small interfering RNA (siRNA) on the expression of beta 2-microglo-bulin (β2M) in pre-differentiated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). METHODS：The β2M siRNA was transfected into the pre-differentiated BMSCs with Lipofectamine 2000. BMSCs were divided into transfection group, blank control group and negative control group. The expression of β2M at mRNA and protein levels was determined by real-time qPCR, Western blotting and laser confocal microscopy. The productions of aggrecan and type II collagen in pre-differentiated BMSCs were determined by toluidine blue staining and type Ⅱ collagen immunofluorescence. RESULTS：The results of real-time qPCR, Western blotting and laser confocal microscopy showed that siRNA successfully inhibited the expression of β2M at mRNA and protein levels in the pre-differentiated BMSCs. The results of toluidine blue and type Ⅱ collagen immunofluorescence staining showed that siRNA does not affect the productions of aggrecan and type Ⅱ collagen in the pre-differentiated BMSCs. CONCLUSION：siRNA targeting β2M reduces the expression of β2M in the pre-differentiated BMSCs and does not affect the chondrocyte characteristics of pre-differentiated BMSCs.     

Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein inhibitory peptide inhibits the binding of LPS to U937 cells

AIM: To investigate the inhibitory effect of P12, a kind of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding protein (LBP) inhibitory peptide, on the binding of LPS to macrophage in vitro. METHODS: Human monocyte-like cell line (U937 cells) was grown in RPMI-1640 and stimulated with PMA in order to induce their differentiation to macrophage stage. The relative affinity of P12 to LPS was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The effects of P12 on the binding of LPS to U937 cells were determined by flow cytometry analysis. The production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was measured by ELISA. RESULTS: The relative binding activity of P12 to LPS was higher than that of LBP in the same mass concentration. P12 inhibited the binding of FITC-conjugated LPS (FITC-LPS) to U937 cells. The productions of TNF-α was also significantly suppressed by P12. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that blockage of LBP at the inflammatory sites might attenuate LPS-induced circulatory shock.     

CDA-2 induces differentiation and inhibits proliferation of human SWO-38 glioma cells

AIM: To investigate the differentiation-inducing effect of cell differentiation agent-2 (CDA-2) in human SWO-38 glioma cell line in vitro.METHODS: The inhibitory effect of CDA-2 on cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay and colony formation assay.Cell morphology was determinded by light microscopy observation,and the expression of GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.Western blotting was also applied to explore the expression of PPARγ and COX-2.RESULTS: The data showed that CDA-2 inhibited proliferation and induced differentiation of SWO-38 cells.The inhibition efficiency was time-dependent and dose-dependent .The IC₅₀ of CDA-2 was (2.33±0.37) g/L and (0.51±0.01) g/L,respectively when cells were treated for 72 h and 10 days.CDA-2 caused differentiation of human glioma cells as indicated by outgrowth of long processes and expression of astrocyte marker GFAP.Simultaneously,the expression of PPARγ increased after 3 h of CDA-2 treatment，while the expression of COX-2 decreased after 48 h of CDA-2 treatment.CONCLUSION: CDA-2 inhibits proliferation and induces differentiation of SWO-38 cells.These effects may be through increasing cellular GFAP,PPARγ level and decreasing COX-2 expression induced by CDA-2.     

RNAi-mediated knocking-down of LBH gene promotes cell cycle progress in 16HBE cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of small interfering RNA(siRNA) on limb-bud and heart(LBH) gene expression in 16HBE cells, and further to observe the change of 16HBE cell cycle after knocking down of LBH gene. METHODS: Synthetical siRNA targeting LBH gene was transfected into 16HBE cells by the method of lipofectamine 2000. The mRNA expression of LBH was examined by real time RT-PCR. The cell cycle was assayed by flow cytometry. The expression of cyclin E1 and E2 was also detected by real time RT-PCR and Western blotting.RESULTS: The expression of LBH gene decreased by 86% in 16HBE cells transfected with 50 nmol/L of siRNA for 48 h. After transfected with siRNA for 48 h, 16HBE cells in G₁ phase decreased by 9.28% and the cells in S phase increased by 14.08%. The expression level of cyclin E2 in 16HBE cells transfected with siRNA was twice higher than that of the negative control cells.CONCLUSION: Sequence-specific siRNA targeting LBH is capable of suppressing LBH gene expression in 16HBE cells. Down-regulation of LBH expression in 16HBE cells may promote the progress of cell cycle, and up-regulation of cyclin E2 expression plays a role in the process of G₁/S phase.     

Expression of miR-203 in human tongue carcinoma tissues and its in-fluence on viability and invasion ability of Tca8113 cells

AIM: To study the expression of miR-203 in tongue carcinoma tissues and the effect of miR-203 over-expression on the viability and invasion ability of Tca8113 cells.METHODS: Twenty-eight pairs of tongue carcinoma tissues and adjacent nontumor tissues were collected, and the clinicopathological characters were analyzed. miR-203 was detected in the tongue tissues of 28 patients with tongue carcinoma by real-time PCR. miR-203 mimics and scramble were transfected into Tca8113 cells by Lipofectamine 2000. The expression of miR-203 was detected in Tca8113, Tca8113-miR-203 mimics and Tca8113-scramble cells by RT-qPCR. The cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay. The cell invasion ability was determined by Transwell chamber invasion experiment.RESULTS: miR-203 expression was significantly down-regulated in the tongue carcinoma tissues compared with those in the adjacent nontumor tissues. The expression of miR-203 was associated with TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. Up-regulation of miR-203 inhibited the viability and invasion ability of Tca8113 cells.CONCLUSION: miR-203 suppresses the growth and invasion of tongue carcinoma cells. miR-203 may be a potential therapeutic target for treating human tongue cancer.     

Notch1 regulates stemness and chemotherapeutic sensitivity of human glioma U251 cells

AIM: To investigate whether Notch1 changes stemness and chemotherapeutic sensitivity in human glioma U251 cells. METHODS: The lentiviral vectors, which expressed Notch1-shRNA or Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD), were transfected into U251 cells. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were applied to monitor the validity of the cells, down-regulation of Notch1 expression or over-expression of NICD. The proportion of CD133⁺ cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of nestin and GFAP was identified by immunofluorescence staining. The formation rate of tumor cell spheres and the implanted tumor growth in SCID mice were observed. MTT assay was performed to evaluate the chemotherapeutic sensitivity to VM-26 and BCNU of the cells with different treatments. RESULTS: Stemness was significantly enhanced in the cells over-expressing NICD. For example, the proportion of CD133⁺ cells was increased, the expression of nestin was up-regulated, the expression of GFAP was down-regulated, and the formation rate of tumor cell spheres and implanted tumor growth were increased. The chemotherapeutic sensitivity to VM-26 and BCNU of the cells was decreased. In the cells with Notch1 gene down-regulation by RNAi, the stemness was inhibited and chemotherapeutic sensitivity was increased. CONCLUSION: Notch1, which leads to the change of stemness and chemotherapeutic sensitivity in human glioma U251 cells, is likely to be a potential molecular target for treatment of glioma.     

Expression of Smoothened and its role in endothelial cells in synovial tissues of rheumatoid arthritis

AIM: To investigate the expression of Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway-associated factor Smoothened (Smo) and its role in endothelial cells in synovial tissue of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Smo expression in synovial tissue from 4 RA patients and 4 patients with trauma or meniscal injury (without arthritis, used for control) was detected by the method of immunohistochemistry. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell line EA.hy926 was used as the model of synovial vascular endothelial cells. The expression of Smo was detected by Western blotting after TNF-α treatment. The small interfering RNA (siRNA) specifically targeting Smo gene was synthesized and transfected into EA.hy926 cells. The interference efficiency of the siRNA on the production of Smo protein was determined by Western blotting. The cells were treated with TNF-α and actinomycin D (ActD) 24 h after siRNA transfection. The cell survival rate was determined by CCK-8 assay and the apoptotic rate was examined by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Smo was highly expressed in synovial tissue from active RA patients, especially in endothelial cells as compared with control group. TNF-α significantly increased the protein expression of Smo in EA.hy926 cells. EA.hy926 cells transfected with Smo-siRNA showed a significant decrease in the cell viability with the cell survival rate of (24.30±0.45)% and the apoptotic rate of (48.00±1.96)%, as compared with those in negative control group ［(36.86±0.62）% and （31.70±0.82）%, respectively］. CONCLUSION: Smo may play a role in the regulation of apoptosis in endothelial cells in RA synovium.     

Effects of TKTL1 silencing by siRNA on growth microenvironment of human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells

AIM:To explore the relationship between the expression of transketolase-like 1 protein(TKTL1) and the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by investigating the change of some indicators in growth microenvironment including lactate production, reduced glutathione(GSH) level and ratio of NADPH/NADP⁺ in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 after silencing of TKTL1 expression by siRNA. METHODS:Specific siRNA expression vector targeting TKTL1 gene was constructed and transfected into HepG2 cell line. The effect of TKTL1 silencing was evaluated by detecting the mRNA level and the activity of transketolase(TKTL1). The changes of lactate production, GSH level, the ratio of NADPH/NADP⁺ and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase(G-6-PD) activity were observed in transfected HepG2 cells compared with the untransfected control cells. RESULTS:Compared with the untransfected control cells, the mRNA expression of TKTL1 and the TKT activity decreased significantly(P<0.01). Meanwhile, the lactate production, GSH level and ratio of NADPH/NADP⁺ also decreased significantly(P<0.01). However, no change of the G-6-PD activity was observed. CONCLUSION:Carcinoma cells switch the glucose metabolism by overexpression of TKTL1 to modify the lactate production and the levels of reactive oxygen species, thus changing the growth microenvironment in favor of tumor metastasis.     

Effect of CLCN2 antisense oligonucleotide on U251 cells injury by cisplatin

AIM: To investigate the effect of chloride channel CLCN2 antisense oligonucleotide on the cell injury of malignant U251 glioma cells induced by cisplatin (DDP). METHODS: The experiment was divided into 4 groups: control group (nonsense oligonucleotide), CLCN2 antisense oligonucleotide group, DDP group (DDP＋nonsense oligonucleotide), DDP＋CLCN2 antisense oligonucleotide group. The viability of U251 cells was measured by MTT assay, CLCN2 mRNA level was determined by RT-PCR, cell apoptosis was measured by TUNEL assay. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the cell viability, CLCN2 and cyclinD1 mRNA decreased in CLCN2 antisense oligonucleotide group, DDP treated group and CLCN2 antisense oligonucleotide with DDP treated group, cells apoptosis increased. Compared to DDP group, the cell viability (P<0.05) and CLCN2 mRNA decreased in CLCN2 antisense oligonucleotide with DDP treated group, and cells apoptosis increased (P<0.01). Compared to CLCN2 antisense oligonucleotide group, CLCN2 mRNA significantly decreased (P<0.01) in CLCN2 antisense oligonucleotide with DDP treated group. CONCLUSION: CLCN2 antisense oligonucleotide inhibits the expression of CLCN2 mRNA in U251 cells. Inhibition of CLCN2 mRNA facilitates the cell injury of U251 cells induced by DDP. The decrease in CLCN2 mRNA is involved in the mechanism of cell injury by DDP.     

Expression of miRNA-181a in human lung adenocarcinoma cells and its effect on cell function

AIM: To study the expression of microRNA (miRNA)-181a in different human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, and to investigate the effect of miRNA-181a on cell function and its mechanism in human lung adenocarcinoma drug resistant cell A549/DDP. METHODS: Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression of miRNA-181a in BEAS-2B cells, A549 cells and A549/DDP cells. The A549/DDP cells were transfected with pGenesil-miRNA-181a eukaryotic expression plasmid. At the same time, the untransfection group and negative transfection group were also set up. The expression of miRNA-181a, cell viability, cell growth inhibition and apoptosis rate during cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (DDP) treatment, cell cycle, cell invasion, the protein expression of miRNA-181a target genes bcl-2 and p53 in the A549/DDP cells were determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, MTT assay, flow cytometry, Transwell method and Western blot, respectivly. RESULTS: The expression of miRNA-181a in A549 cells and A549/DDP cells was significantly lower than that in BEAS-2B cells, and the lowest expression level was observed in A549/DDP cells (P<0.05). The expression of miRNA-181a in A549/DDP cells was significantly increased after transfection with pGenesil-miRNA-181a (P<0.05). The cell viability, cell cycle and invasion ability of the A549/DDP cells were inhibited after miRNA-181a transfection (P<0.05). The cell growth inhibition rate and apoptotic rate of the A549/DDP cells were increased (P<0.05). The expression of Bcl-2 was reduced, but the expression of P53 was increased after transfection with miRNA-181a in A549/DDP cells (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: miRNA-181a may be correlated with the development of human lung adenocarcinoma. miRNA-181a can serve as a new target for treatment of lung cancer.