The Possibility of Systematic Research Fraud Targeting Under-Studied Human Genes: Causes, Consequences, and Potential...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Research
• Genetics
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Biomarker candidate selection often relies on published research, which can be flawed.
• Inaccurate results, whether unintentional errors or research fraud, can lead to the failure of promising biomarker candidates.
• The potential for systematic research fraud in biomarker studies, particularly gene knockdown experiments, warrants closer examination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and discuss the emerging threat of systematic fraud in gene knockdown studies targeting under-studied human genes.
• To describe the characteristics of fraudulent publications produced in series using a 'theme and variations' model.
• To propose strategies for detecting and mitigating the impact of fraudulent research on biomarker discovery.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on fraudulent publication patterns.
• Analysis of the 'theme and variations' model in serial publication of fraudulent studies.
• Identification of features that enable fraudulent single-gene knockdown publications to evade detection.

Main Results:

• A novel threat to biomarker research involves the systematic production of fraudulent gene knockdown studies.
• Fraudulent papers can be generated in series by paper mills using a 'theme and variations' approach.
• Specific features of these publications may allow them to bypass scrutiny from editors, peer reviewers, and readers.

Conclusions:

• Improved awareness of publication series and their characteristics is crucial for detection.
• Mandatory posting of submitted manuscripts on preprint servers can enhance transparency.
• Semi-automated literature screening tools can aid in identifying potentially fraudulent studies.
• Implementing these detection strategies can safeguard the integrity of biomarker research.