miR-21 modulates cell apoptosis by targeting multiple genes in renal cell carcinoma.

Objectives: To explore the mechanism of miR-21 involved in the development of renal cell carcinoma.

Methods: Cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured after repression of miR-21 expression by antisense oligonucleotides. miR-21 targets were scanned using target prediction programs.

Osteopontin silencing by small interfering RNA induces apoptosis and suppresses invasion in human renal carcinoma Caki-1 cells.

Antiapoptosis and invasion are the causes for the failure of conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy in human renal carcinomas. Osteopontin (OPN), a ligand for vß3 integrin and CD44 receptors, is a phosphorylated glycoprotein with diverse functions including tumorigenesis and tumor cell metastasis. Recently, OPN has been detected in human renal carcinomas and assessed as a potential prognostic marker of renal carcinomas.