Provided herein are methods to suppress specificity protein (Sp) activity in a cell associated with a cell proliferative disease. The methods are effective to inhibit a microRNA in the cell using an antisense microRNA oligonucleotide which results in an increase in expression of a specificity protein (Sp) suppressor gene thereby inducing Sp degradation, apoptosis or growth arrest by releasing inhibitors of G2/M (Myt-1) or inhibition. Also provided are methods of treating a cancer using the antisense microRNA oligonucleotide. In addition the present invention provides antisense microRNA-27a oligonucleotides useful in the methods described herein.