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Updated: Jul 16, 2025

Identification of EGFR and RAS Inhibitors using Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: October 5, 2020
[Retracted] Functional characterization of the nitrogen permease regulator‑like‑2 candidate tumor suppressor gene in
Ai-Yun Liu1, Ming-Na Liu1, Feng-Hua Pei1
1Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that certain of the microscopic images shown in Fig. 1C on p. 3489 and the invasion assay images shown in Fig. 5 on p. 3491 were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in other articles written by different authors at different research institutes. Moreover, unexpected similarities were identified comparing between a pair of the flow cytometric assay data panels in Fig. 4 on p. 3490, considering that these data were intended to show the results from differently performed experiments. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published, or were already under consideration for publication, prior to its submission to Molecular Medicine Reports, 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. [Molecular Medicine Reports 12: 3487‑3493, 2015; DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.3881].
Insights
This study was retracted due to significant image similarities with previously published data. The authors did not provide an explanation, leading to the paper
Area of Science:
- Retraction Notice
- Scientific Integrity
- Research Misconduct
Context:
- A paper published in Molecular Medicine Reports faced scrutiny following its publication.
- A reader alerted the editor to potential data duplication and similarities with other published works.
Purpose:
- To address concerns regarding the authenticity and originality of the data presented in the paper.
- To investigate allegations of image similarities and potential data manipulation.
Summary:
- Microscopic and flow cytometric assay data in the paper showed striking similarities to data from other studies.
- The contentious data was found to be published or under consideration elsewhere prior to submission.
- The authors failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the discrepancies.
Impact:
- The paper has been retracted from Molecular Medicine Reports due to concerns about scientific misconduct.
- This retraction underscores the importance of rigorous data verification and ethical research practices.
- The journal apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused by the publication of this compromised study.
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