In the present study, the expression levels of small nucleolar RNA host gene 15 (SNHG15) were significantly upregulated in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tissues and cell lines compared with in adjacent tissues and a proximal tubule epithelial cell line, as determined by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Subsequently, knockdown of SNHG15 expression with small interfering RNA inhibited RCC proliferation, invasion and migration, was determined by western blotting and Transwell assays. Furthermore, the present study suggested that SNHG15 may be involved in the nuclear factor-kB signaling pathway, induce the epithelial mesenchymal transition process, and promote RCC invasion and migration. SNHG16 exerts its effects by acting as a ceRNA, competitively binding miR-98 with E2F transcription factor 5 protein.