Review for 10.1186/s12876-020-01272-5 (2020)

Reviewer ’s rep ort 
 
Title: LncRNA SNHG1 promotes EMT process in gastric cancer cells through regulation of the  
miR-15b/DCLK1/Notch1 axis  
 
Version: 1 Date: 01 Dec 2019  
 
Reviewer: Niccola Funel  
 
Reviewer's report:  
 
The authors presented a paper titled as follows:"LncRNA SNHG1 promotes EMT in gastric 
cancer cells via miR -15b regulated DCLK1/Notch1 axis". The paper is quite interesting and the 
authors documented a th eir results including in the manuscript a large series of experiments, 
analyses and Graphs. The representation of results is very well done and the figures are very 
catching. Indeed, they documented and stressed too, both importance and modulation of 
molec ules studied in EMT process management in GC. However we would like to suggest to the 
authors some additional modification can might increase the soundness of present work.  
 
Major comments:  
The results seem to support the modulation of GC cells migration in vitro. Looking at the 
molecules pathways EMT -associated, we would like to suggest to the authors to make some 
additional experiments investigating some additional markers involved in EMT process as TGF -
β and. MMPs. So far, the additional experiment usin g immunofluorescence might encrease the 
appeal of results section.  
 
Minor comments:  
The authors should report in the introduction, the  full definitions of acronyms associated with 
SNHG1 and Notch.  
 
 
Are the methods appropriate and well described?  
If not, please specify what is required in your comments to the autho rs. 
 
Yes 
 
Does the work include the necessary controls?  
If not, please specify which controls are required in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Are the conclusions drawn adequately supported by the data shown?  
If not, please explain in your comments to the authors.  
 
Yes 
 
Are you able to assess any statistics in the manuscript or would you recommend an  
additional statistical review?  
If an additional statistical review is recomme nded, please specify what aspects require further  
assessment in your comments to the editors.  
 
I am able to assess the statistics  
 
Quality of written English  
Please indicate the quality of language in the manuscript:  
 
Needs some language corrections before be ing published  
 
Declaration of competing interests  
Please complete a declaration of competing interests, considering the following questions:  
 
1. Have you in the past five years received reimbursements, fees, funding, or salary from an  
organisation that may i n any way gain or lose financially from the publication of this  
manuscript, either now or in the future?  
 
2. Do you hold any stocks or shares in an organisation that may in any way gain or lose  
financially from the publication of this manuscript, either now  or in the future?  
 
3. Do you hold or are you currently applying for any patents relating to the content of the  
manuscript?  
 
4. Have you received reimbursements, fees, funding, or salary from an organization that 
holds  or has applied for patents relating to the content of the manuscript?  
 
5. Do you have any other financial competing interests?  
 
6. Do you have any non -financial competing interests in relation to this paper?  
 
If you can answer no to all of the above, write 'I declare that I have no competing inter ests' 
below.  If your reply is yes to any, please give details below.  
 
I declare that I have no competing interests.  
 
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