Synergistic apoptosis induction in leukemic cells by miR-15a/16-1 and arsenic trioxide

► MiR-15a/16-1 sensitizes ATO-induced apoptosis in K562 cells. ► MiR-15a/16-1 and ATO synergistically induce mitochondrial dysfunction and activation of caspase-3. ► MiR-15a/16-1 and/or ATO do not affect the level of Bcr-Abl expression. ► MiR-15a/16-1 and ATO synergistically induce apoptosis in leukemic cells.