Correlation between miR-19a inhibition and radiosensitivity in SiHa cervical cancer cells.

Purpose MicroRNAs (miRs) have been implicated in many aspects of tumor cell development and survival, including sensitivity to radiotherapy. In particular, miR-19a regulates the proliferation of cervical cancer cells, but its role in radiosensitivity is not known. Here, we describe the consequence of silencing miR-19a using antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) on the radiosensitivity of human cervical cancer SiHa cells. Methods Following transfection with miR-19a-ASO or control-ASO, SiHa cells were exposed to X-rays to determine their proliferation. Results Silencing of miR-19a significantly improved the sensitivity of SiHa cells to radiotherapy by reducing proliferation, increasing apoptosis, upregulating BAX, and downregulating Bcl-2. Conclusion Overall, inhibiting miR-19a significantly improves the sensitivity of SiHa cells to radiotherapy, which could lead to new methods for the treatment of cervical cancer.