Objective：To investigate the regulation of microRNA-494（miR-494） on Survivin expression and its effect on cell prolifer－ation and apoptosis in human glioma cell lines SNB19 and LN229. Methods：Twelve samples of neuroglioma and tumor-adjacent tissues were collected and miR-494 expressions in the samples were detected by qRT-PCR. miR-494 mimic was transfected into SNB19 and LN229 cells. Cell viability and apoptosis were analyzed by MTT and flow cytometry. Survivin，a potential target of miR-494，was de－tected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Results：Expressions of miR-494 in neuroglioma tissues were significantly downregulated com－pared with those of tumor-adjacent tissues（t=13.78，P=0.000）. Ectopic expression of miR-494 in SNB19 and LN229 cells obviously suppressed Survivin mRNA and protein expression as well as decreased cell viability and increased cell apoptosis（P<0.05，respective－ly）. Conclusions：Expression of miR-494 is downregulated in neuroglioma tissues and miR-494 may induce cell apoptosis in neu－roglioma cell lines SNB19 and LN229 by downregulating Survivin expression.