Effects of microRNA-370 on mesangial cell proliferation and extracellular matrix accumulation by binding to canopy 1 in a rat model of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Ming-Lan Hu
Bei-Hao Zhang
Xin-Fang Wang
Xiang-Ping Li
Rui-Qiang Wang
Xiao-Qing Lu
Feng-Na Yu
Journal: Journal of Cellular Physiology (2019)
Discipline: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY & GENETICS
Keywords: CNPY1; diabetic nephropathy; extracellular matrix; mesangial cell; microRNA-370.
Affiliations: Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Linyi People's Hospital, Beicheng New District Hospital, Linyi, China., Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Linyi Central Hospital, Linyi, China., Department of Blood Purification, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China., Department of Emergency, Linyi People's Hospital, Beicheng New District Hospital, Linyi, China., Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.

Abstract:  As one major diabetic complication, diabetic nephropathy (DN) has been reported to be associated with various kinds of microRNA (miRNA). Thus, we conducted this study to explore the potential of miR-370 in a rat model of DN through investigation of mesangial cell proliferation and extracellular matrix (ECM). A total of 40 healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were enrolled and assigned into normal (n = 10) and DN ( n = 30, DN rat model) groups. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed for the targeting relationship between miR-370 and canopy 1 (CNPY1). Mesangial cells were collected and transfected with prepared mimic, inhibitor or small interfering RNA (siRNA) for analyzing the effect of miR-370 on DN mice with the help of expression and cell biological processes detection. CNPY1 was confirmed as a target gene of miR-370. DN mice had increased expression of miR-370, fibronectin, type I collagen (Col I), type IV collagen (Col IV), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) but reduced CNPY1 expression. Cells transfected with miR-370 mimic and siRNA-CNPY1 had increased expression of fibronectin, Col I, Col IV, and PAI-1 but decreased CNPY1 expression. The miR-370 mimic and siRNA-CNPY1 groups showed increased cell proliferation, as well as elevated ECM accumulation and declined cell apoptosis rate as compared with the blank and negative control groups, with reverse trends observed in the miR-370 inhibitor group. Our study concludes that overexpression of miR-370 promotes mesangial cell proliferation and ECM accumulation by suppressing CNPY1 in a rat model of DN. 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 Fig 9(a),  Mesangial cell apoptosis was inhibited while ECM accumulation was enhanced after transfection of miRu2010370 mimic or siRNAu2013CNPY1. (a) Diagram of cell apoptosis in each group .  Color boxes match Fig 10A of [Wang et al (2018)] .  Fig. 9C of [Wu et al (2018)] is also of interest.  , 
 Fig 7(a):  Protein expression of fibronectin, Col I, Col IV, and PAIu20101 was increased with the elevation of miRu2010370 or reduction of CNPY1 in mesangial cells of DN mice. (a) Gray value of CNPY1, fibronectin, Col I, Col IV, and PAIu20101 in each group .  I am intrigued by the absence of background on these WBs, and the way the bands remain perfectly linear and retain the shape of the protein blobs as they move up the gel. Is it possible for the authors to upload the original scans of the gels? Numerous other papers have Figures which display the same qualities, hence my curiosity. I compiled a montage:  , 
 Retracted [20 July 2021] . ---------------------------------------------- The above article, published online on 14 October 2018 in Wiley Online Library has been retracted by agreement between the journal s Editor in Chief, Prof. Dr. Gregg Fields, and Wiley Periodicals LLC. The retraction has been agreed following an investigation based on allegations raised by a third party. A detailed investigation revealed that several image elements of the experimental data were published elsewhere in a different scientific context. Thus, the editors consider the conclusions of this article to be invalid. ,