<p>Silencing of Long Non-Coding RNA-HCG18 Inhibits the Tumorigenesis of Gastric Cancer Through Blocking PI3K/Akt Pathway</p>
Authors: Kexiang An
Yuqin Li
Fengzhen Ma
Journal: OncoTargets and Therapy (2020)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: PI3K/Akt pathway; gastric cancer; lncRNA-HCG18; migration; proliferation.
Affiliations: Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Binzhou City, Shandong Province 256603, People's Republic of China., Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Rizhao Central Hospital, Rizhao City, Shandong Province 276800, People's Republic of China., Department of Internal Medicine V, Linyi Cancer Hospital, Linyi City, Shandong Province 276001, People's Republic of China.

Abstract:  Purpose: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical regulatory roles in the tumorigenesis of GC. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effect and mechanism of lncRNA-HCG18 on GC. Methods: The expression of lncRNA-HCG18 was detected in GC tissues and cell lines by qRT-PCR. LncRNA-HCG18 was silenced in AGS and MGC803 cells by the transfection of lncRNA-HCG18 siRNA (si-HCG18). MTT, transwell and Annexin V-PI double staining assay were performed to assess the proliferation, migration, invasion and apoptosis of GC cells. The expression of PI3K/Akt pathway-, apoptosis-, and migration-related proteins were detected by Western blot. An activator of PI3K/Akt pathway 740 Y-P was used to activate the PI3K/Akt pathway in AGS cells. A human tumor xenograft model was established in mice to evaluate the effects of si-HCG18 in vivo. Results: LncRNA-HCG18 was overexpressed in GC tissues and cells. Up-regulation of lncRNA-HCG18 was positively correlated with the stage of tumor node metastasis and invasion depth. Silencing of lncRNA-HCG18 suppressed the proliferation, migration and invasion, and induced the apoptosis of GC cells. Silencing of lncRNA-HCG18 blocked the PI3K/Akt pathway. The intervention of 740Y-P reversed the anti-tumor effect of lncRNA-HCG18 on GC cells. In addition, silencing of lncRNA-HCG18 suppressed the growth of GC xenografts in mice. Conclusion: Silencing of lncRNA-HCG18 inhibited the tumorigenesis of GC through blocking the PI3K/Akt pathway, suggesting a novel therapeutic target for GC. 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 An email from Kaitlyn Keller, Publications Manager, PLOS ONE, indicates that this paper is set to be retracted: u00e2u0080u009cIn light of these concerns, and following an institutional investigation, we have decided to proceed with the retraction of pone.0111253 and pone.0094472. Additionally, we will be publishing a correction on the third article, pone.0150763.u00e2u0080u009d , 
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 This paper was retracted in October 2017. The Retraction Notice reads:  The authors and editors retract this publication [1] following an investigation into concerns around the images presented in several figures. After the publication of this article, readers raised concerns about Figures 1E, 2E-F, and 3A. Specifically, * In Figure 1E, there are similarities between the first and third lane within the panel. * There are similarities in bands between the gels displayed in Figures 2E and 2F. * In Figure 3A, there are areas of duplication in images within the third panel. The concerns were brought to the attention of the authors, who provided replicate images of the same experimental sets but were not able to provide the images underlying the figures included in the article. An institutional investigation conducted by The Indian Institute of Technology at Kharagpur confirmed the duplication of images and recommended the retraction of the article. The preparation of the figures falls below the standard of publication; in light of these concerns and in line with the institutional recommendation, the authors and the editors retract this publication. The authors sincerely apologize to the scientific community for the errors in the published article. I was Peer 1 in Comment #1, but two of the images posted back then are not showing up correctly. Here they are again: *  In Figure 1E, there are similarities between the first and third lane within the panel.  *  There are similarities in bands between the gels displayed in Figures 2E and 2F.  *  In Figure 3A, there are areas of duplication in images within the third panel.  ,