Abstract: Objective To determine the expression of miR-182 in human lung cancer cell lines, and to evaluate the effects of miR-182 on biological characteristics and targeting profilin1 (PFN1) of the lung cancer cell line. Methods The expression of miR-182 was detected by qRT-PCR in lung cancer cells. The infl uence of miR-182 on the viability, proliferation and apoptosis of 95-D cells was evaluated by MTT and fl ow cytometry assay. The role of miR-182 in the invasive potential of 95-D cells was studied by Transwell chamber assay. A luciferase reporter gene system was used to verify that PFN1 is a target gene for miR-182. The resulting effects of miR-182 on PFN1 protein expression was verified by Western blot analysis. Results By qRT-PCR, the expression of miR-182 was higher in lung cancer cells than that in HBE cells (P<0.01). Following a depression of miR-182 expression, cell viability, proliferation index and invasive potential were decreased (P<0.05), and apoptotic index and PFN1 protein levels were increased (P<0.01); the invasion was signifi cantly decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion The expression of miR-182 is upregulated in lung cancer cells. miR-182 negatively regulates PFN1 protein expression and promotes the proliferation and invasion of lung cancer cells.