In vitro analysis of microRNA-26a in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells

microRNA (miRNA)-26a-loaded liposomes were prepared in the present study for effective treatment of leukemia. The results demonstrated that miRNA-26a reduced the viability of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Cells treated with miRNA-26a-loaded liposomes exhibited increased rates of apoptosis, as determined by flow cytometry and Hoechst 33342 staining. Western blot analysis revealed an increased apoptotic effect of miRNA-26a-loaded liposomes compared with control. Treatment with these liposomes resulted in significant downregulation of the expression of the miRNA-26a target genes, myeloid cell leukemia 1 and cyclin-dependent kinase 6. Taken together, the results of the present study indicate that miRNA-26a exerts apoptosis-inducing and anticancer effects on leukemia cells, suggesting therapeutic potential. This approach may be possible to extrapolate to other neoplasms, including lymphomas and acute myeloid leukemia.