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[Expression of Concern] Suppression of SIK1 by miR‑141 in human ovarian cancer cell lines and tissues
Jin-Long Chen1, Fang Chen2, Ting-Ting Zhang3
1School of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Jinan-Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong 250117, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Following the publication of this paper, for the western blots shown in Fig. 1A, where the expression levels of salt‑inducible kinase 1 were detected in ovarian cancer tissues, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that the β‑actin loading controls for patients 4, 6 and 7 were strikingly similar in appearance. Moreover, several of the protein bands in this figure were strikingly similar to data which subsequently appeared in another paper written by different authors at different research institutes that was published in the journal Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, although this paper has since been retracted. The authors were contacted by the Editorial Office to offer an explanation for this apparent anomaly in the presentation of the data in this paper, although up to this time, no response from the authors has been forthcoming. Owing to the fact that the Editorial Office has been made aware of potential issues surrounding the scientific integrity of this paper, we are issuing an Expression of Concern to notify readers of this potential problem while the Editorial Office continues to investigate this matter further. [International Journal of Molecular Medicine 37: 1601‑1610, 2016; DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2016.2553].
Insights
Concerns have been raised regarding potential data inconsistencies in a study on salt-inducible kinase 1 expression in ovarian cancer. The investigation is ongoing to ensure the scientific integrity of the published findings.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Investigated salt-inducible kinase 1 (SIK1) expression in ovarian cancer tissues.
- SIK1 plays a role in cellular processes relevant to cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present data on SIK1 expression levels in ovarian cancer.
- To provide western blot analysis for SIK1 and β-actin loading controls.
Main Methods:
- Western blot analysis was performed on ovarian cancer tissues.
- Expression levels of SIK1 were detected.
- β-actin was used as a loading control.
Main Results:
- Potential similarities in β-actin loading controls for specific patients were noted.
- Concerns were raised about the resemblance of protein bands to data from another publication.
- An investigation into the scientific integrity of the presented data has been initiated.
Conclusions:
- An Expression of Concern has been issued due to potential data presentation issues.
- The journal's Editorial Office is investigating the matter further.
- Readers are notified of potential problems pending the investigation's outcome.
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