Silencing GluA2 expression increases the expression of p53, p21Cip1/Waf1 and p16INK4a in A549 cells. Western blotting was used to detect (A) p53, (B) p21Cip1/Waf1 and (C) p16INK4a protein levels. *P<0.05 vs. the control group. GluA2, glutamate ionotropic receptor AMPA type subunit 2; NC, negative control; siRNA, small interfering RNA; p53, cellular tumor antigen p53.