Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Integration of Bioinformatics Approaches and Experimental Validations to Understand the Role of Notch Signaling in Ovarian Cancer
Published on: January 12, 2020
[Expression of Concern] Antitumor activity of Notch‑1 inhibition in human colorectal carcinoma cells
Wangdi Liao1, Guohua Li1, Yu You1
1Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital, 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, regarding the cell morphology experiments shown in Fig. 4C and 9B on p. 1066 and p. 1069 respectively, the 'NC' data panel in Fig. 4C appeared to match with the data shown to represent the 'Control' data panel in Fig. 9B, albeit the images appeared in these figures at different sizes. The authors have been contacted by the Editorial Office to offer an explanation for the apparent re‑use of the same data in this paper, and we are awaiting their response. 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. [Oncology Reports 39: 1063‑1071, 2018; DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.6176].
Insights
An investigation is underway regarding potential data reuse in cell morphology experiments. The Editor is examining figure panels for scientific integrity concerns, awaiting author responses.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Scientific Publishing Ethics
Background:
- Concerns raised by a reader regarding specific figures in a published paper.
- Potential reuse of data panels ('NC' vs. 'Control') in cell morphology experiments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To address potential issues with scientific integrity.
- To notify readers of an ongoing investigation into data presentation.
Main Methods:
- Review of figures (Fig. 4C, 9B) for data consistency.
- Contacting authors for explanation of apparent data reuse.
- Editorial investigation into scientific integrity.
Main Results:
- Apparent matching of 'NC' data panel in Fig. 4C with 'Control' data panel in Fig. 9B.
- Images presented at different sizes despite apparent data similarity.
Conclusions:
- An Expression of Concern has been issued due to potential scientific integrity issues.
- The investigation is ongoing pending author response.
Related Concept Videos
Role Of Notch Signalling In Intestinal Stem Cell Renewal
Direct cell-to-cell contact is needed for the activation of Notch signaling. The signal is initiated when a notch ligand binds to a receptor on an adjacent cell, also...
Notch Signaling Pathway
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not until 1985...
Notch Signaling Pathway
The Notch gene came into the limelight in 1914 after the discovery that its mutation in Drosophila melanogaster leads to a serrated (or "notched") wing margin phenotype. It was not until 1985...
Inhibition of Cdk Activity
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
