Objective To investigate the effect of miR-153 on meningioma SF3061 cells and the molecular mechanism. Methods qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression levels of miR-153 in SF3061 cells treated or untreated with radiation. High expression of miR-153 was performed by transfecting miR-153 mimics into the SF3061 cells. MTT assay, flow cytometry and colony formation assay were used to determine cell growth, apoptosis and colony formation ability of meningioma cells treated with radiation, respectively. The relationship of miR-153 and RIZ1 was determined by the TargetScan and dual luciferase reporter. Si-RIZ1 was used to detect the effect of RIZ1 on radiosensitivity of meningioma cells. Results Radiation treatment significantly decreased the expression level of miR-153. miR-153 mimics obviously increased the cell growth inhibition rate and the apoptosis rate, and decreased the colony formation ability in the SF3061 cells treated with radiation. Results from the TargetScan and dual luciferase reporter showed that RIZ1 was the target of miR-153. Furthermore, knockdown of RIZ1 enhanced the radiosensitivity of the meningioma cells. Conclusions miR-153 enhances radiosensitivity of meningioma cells by targeting RIZ1.