KDR gene silencing inhibits proliferation of A549 cells and enhances their sensitivity to docetaxel. 
We investigated the effects of kinase-domain insert containing receptor (KDR) gene silencing on the proliferation of A549 cells and their sensitivity to docetaxel.  After designing and synthesizing the KDR siRNA sequence, the sequence was transfected into A549 cells using Lipofectamine 2000.  The expression of KDR mRNA and protein after KDR gene silencing was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting; A549 cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry.  An MTT assay and colony formation was performed to determine the sensitivity of A549 cells to docetaxel after KDR gene silencing.  After 48-h KDR gene silencing, KDR gene and protein expression significantly decreased (P < 0.05).  A549 cell cycle was significantly arrested in G0/G1 phase, and the number of cells in S phase was reduced; the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05) in the KDR gene silencing group, sensitivity of A549 cells to docetaxel showed a significant enhancement (P < 0.05).  KDR siRNA can significantly silence KDR gene and protein expression in A549 cells, inhibit the proliferation of A549 cells, and enhance their sensitivity to docetaxel.