miR-215 functions as a tumor suppressor and directly targets ZEB2 in human non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Chidong Zhao
Yan Hou
Bin Zhu
Rui Pan
Xiaodong Xu
Kun Zhen
Junwen Zhen
Journal: Oncology Letters (2015)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: invasion; miR-215; non-small cell lung cancer; proliferation; zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 2.
Affiliations: Department of Pediatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China ; Department of Pediatrics, Central Hospital, Xiangyang, Hubei 441021, P.R. China., Department of Pediatrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China., Department of Pediatrics, Central Hospital, Xiangyang, Hubei 441021, P.R. China.

Abstract:  MicroRNA-215 (miR-215) has previously been demonstrated to be dysregulated in a number of human malignancies and to be correlated with tumor progression. However, the expression and function of miR-215 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has remained to be elucidated. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of miR-215 in NSCLC tumorigenesis and development. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate miR-215 expression in NSCLC cell lines and primary tumor tissues. The association between miR-215 expression and certain clinicopathological factors was also determined, and the effects of miR-215 on the biological behavior of NSCLC cells were investigated. In addition, the potential regulatory function of miR-215 on zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 2 (ZEB2) expression was examined. miR-215 expression was significantly downregulated in NSCLC cell lines and clinical specimens. Reduced miR-215 expression was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis and advanced TNM stage. Overexpression of miR-215 inhibited NSCLC cell proliferation, invasion and migration, and promoted cell apoptosis in vitro, and suppressed tumorigenicity in vivo. Furthermore, luciferase reporter assay analysis identified ZEB2 as a direct target of miR-215. These findings indicated that miR-215 may act as a tumor suppressor in NSCLC and may serve as a novel therapeutic agent for miR-based therapy. 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 Fig 2:  Fig 3 from [Zhu et al (2014)] :  ---------------------------------------- A broader context is available from [a Chinese science-integrity enthusiast] , blogging in 2016 and citing work by the now-vanished site PlagiarismWatch, to reconstruct a network of **11** mutually-plagiarised papers, not including this one. All presumably the work of a papermill. Some of this series of retractions was [covered by RetractionWatch] .  , 
 Retracted [10 June 2021] . ---------------------------------- Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editorsu2019 attention by a concerned reader that the Transwell migration assay data shown in Fig. 2D, and the scratch wound assay data shown in in Fig. 2E, were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in other articles by different authors at different research institutes. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article were already under consideration for publication elsewhere prior to its submission to Oncology Letters, 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 never received any reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. ,