Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026

In Vivo Inhibition of MicroRNA to Decrease Tumor Growth in Mice
Published on: August 23, 2019
[Retracted] Roles of the SNHG7/microRNA‑9‑5p/DPP4 ceRNA network in the growth and 131I resistance of thyroid
Wanzhi Chen1, Jichun Yu1, Rong Xie1
1Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editor's attention by a concerned reader that there appeared to be a series of internally duplicated groupings/repeated patternings of cells within various of the panels in the DPP4 row of data panels in Fig. 8B on p. 14 that could not be easily attributed to coincidence. Secondly, some of the data panels shown in the p‑Akt row of data in Fig. 8B, in addition to certain of the data showing the results of EdU assay experiments in Fig. 3B on p. 8, were strikingly similar to data that had either already been submitted for publication, or which were already published, in articles in other journals that were written by different authors at different research institutes (one of which has subsequently been retracted). Furthermore, there appeared to be one instance of duplication of western blot data comparing Fig. 5K with Fig. 7, and also possible discrepancies between the actual sizes and the reported sizes of the tumours in Fig. 8A. In view of the fact that the abovementioned data had already been submitted for publication, or were already published, elsewhere before this paper was received at Oncology Reports, in addition to the other problems with the data and apparent anomalies that have been identified with various of the figures, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. After contacting the authors, they accepted the decision to retract the paper. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 45: 3, 2021; DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.7954].
Insights
This paper has been retracted due to significant data duplication and similarity issues across multiple figures, including DPP4, p-Akt, and EdU assays. The identified problems led to the retraction of the oncology research findings.
Area of Science:
- Oncology Research
- Scientific Publishing Ethics
- Data Integrity in Research
Background:
- Concerns were raised regarding data duplication and similarities in figures.
- Specific issues were noted in DPP4, p-Akt, and EdU assay data panels.
- Similarities were found with previously published or submitted data from other institutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and address concerns about data integrity in a published paper.
- To evaluate the validity of experimental results presented in the study.
- To ensure the reliability of scientific findings in oncology research.
Main Methods:
- Editor's review of figures and data panels.
- Comparison of presented data with external publications.
- Investigation of potential data duplication and anomalies.
Main Results:
- Identified internal duplication in DPP4 data panels.
- Noted striking similarities in p-Akt and EdU assay data with external sources.
- Discrepancies found in western blot data and tumor size reporting.
Conclusions:
- The paper has been retracted due to significant data integrity issues.
- The identified anomalies compromised the reliability of the study's findings.
- The journal editors apologize for any inconvenience caused to the readership.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
Abnormal Proliferation
Interactions Between Signaling Pathways
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
The Nucleolus

