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Updated: Aug 31, 2025

In Vivo Inhibition of MicroRNA to Decrease Tumor Growth in Mice
Published on: August 23, 2019
[Retracted] MicroRNA‑939‑5p directly targets IGF‑1R to inhibit the aggressive phenotypes of osteosarcoma through
Xiwu Zhao1, Jian Li2, Dapeng Yu3
1Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Shandong Provincial Western Hospital, Jinan, Shandong 250022, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Following the publication of the above paper, it was drawn to the Editors' attention by a concerned reader that certain of the flow cytometric data featured in Figs. 2C, 4D and 5E, the Transwell cell migration and invasion assay data shown in Figs. 2D and E, 4E and F, and 5F and G, and the tumor images shown in Fig. 7A, were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in other articles by different authors. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article were already under consideration for publication, or had already been published, prior to its submission to International Journal of Molecular Medicine, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office did not receive a reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [International Journal of Molecular Medicine 44: 1833‑1843, 2019; DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2019.4333].
Insights
This study was retracted due to concerns about duplicated data in flow cytometry, cell migration assays, and tumor imaging. The journal retracted the paper after authors failed to provide a satisfactory explanation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Medicine
- Biomedical Research
- Scientific Publishing Ethics
Context:
- Concerns were raised regarding data duplication in published research.
- Specific figures from flow cytometry, cell migration, and tumor imaging were flagged.
- The data in question predated the article's submission.
Purpose:
- To address allegations of data duplication and plagiarism.
- To maintain the integrity of scientific literature.
- To inform the readership about the retraction of a published article.
Summary:
- The paper published in International Journal of Molecular Medicine has been retracted.
- Retraction is due to significant similarities between presented data and previously published data from other sources.
- Authors did not provide a sufficient response to the journal's inquiry regarding the data concerns.
Impact:
- Upholds scientific integrity by retracting compromised research.
- Alerts researchers to potential issues with the cited data.
- Reinforces the importance of original data submission in scientific journals.
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