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Updated: Aug 19, 2025

Analysis of Combinatorial miRNA Treatments to Regulate Cell Cycle and Angiogenesis
Published on: March 30, 2019
[Retracted] miR‑148a suppresses human renal cell carcinoma malignancy by targeting AKT2
Huiyan Cao1, Zhiming Liu1, Rong Wang2
1Department of Urological Surgery, People's Hospital of Qinghai, Xining, Qinghai 810007, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Following the publication of the above paper, an interested reader drew to our attention that the western blot data shown in Fig. 7, the scratch‑wound assay data in Fig. 2D and the cell invasion assay data in Fig. 2E were strikingly similar to data that had already been published in different articles by different authors from different research institutions, or which were already under consideration for publication elsewhere. Independently of the reader's enquiry, the authors contacted the Editorial Office to request that the paper be retracted on account of the fact that they were unable to reproduce the results presented in Fig. 2. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article were already under consideration for publication, or had already been published, elsewhere when it was submitted to Oncology Reports, and in line with the authors' own request, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 37: 147‑154, 2017; DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.5257].
Insights
This paper is retracted due to concerns about data duplication and inability to reproduce results. The editor apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the publication of this oncology research.
Area of Science:
- Oncology Research
- Scientific Publishing Ethics
Context:
- Concerns were raised regarding data similarity to previously published work.
- The authors themselves requested retraction due to inability to reproduce key findings.
Purpose:
- To address allegations of data duplication and irreproducibility.
- To maintain the integrity of scientific literature in oncology.
Summary:
- Western blot, scratch-wound, and cell invasion assay data were found to be similar to previously published data.
- The authors could not reproduce the results presented in Figure 2, leading to a retraction request.
- The paper was retracted because the data was under consideration or already published elsewhere at the time of submission.
Impact:
- Retraction of a study published in Oncology Reports.
- Reinforces the importance of data integrity and reproducibility in scientific publications.
- Highlights the journal's commitment to upholding ethical publishing standards.
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