Suppression of PDCD4 expression, activation of c-Jun and expression of downstream signalling molecules, including MMP2, MMP9, ANG-1 and VEGFA, with increased miR-21 expression. (A) Transfection of 786-O cells with miRNA inhibitor NC, siRNA NC, miR-21 inhibitor or PDCD4 siRNA. Proteins were extracted and analysed by western blotting. (B) Relative protein expression by scanning densitometry was calculated. (C) Transfection of A498 cells with miRNA inhibitor NC, siRNA NC, miR-21 inhibitor or PDCD4 siRNA. Proteins were extracted and analysed by western blotting. (D) Relative protein expression by scanning densitometry was calculated. (E) Transfection of 786-O cells with a combination of miR-21 inhibitor, miR-21 mimics, PDCD4 siRNA and respective NC. Total protein was extracted and analysed by western blotting. (F) Relative protein expression by scanning densitometry was calculated. Suppression of PDCD4 expression, activation of c-Jun and expression of downstream signalling molecules, including MMP2, MMP9, ANG-1 and VEGFA, with increased miR-21 expression. (G) Transfection of A498 cells with a combination of miR-21 inhibitor, miR-21 mimics, PDCD4 siRNA and respective NC. Total protein was extracted and analysed by western blotting. (H) Relative protein expression by scanning densitometry was calculated. Data are presented as the mean ± standard error of the mean. *P<0.05. PDCD4, programmed cell death protein 4; miRNA, microRNA; siRNA, small interfering RNA; NC, negative control; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor; MMP, matrix metalloproteinase.