Biological nanoparticles carrying the Hmda-7 gene are effective in inhibiting pancreatic cancer in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Fuguo Liu
Yunlong Wang
Zhengbin Wang
Liangyu Mi
Aiqin Li
Qingyun Zhu
Xinting Pan
Yunbo Sun
Kun Li
Zhihui Zhao
Journal: PLoS ONE (2017)
Discipline: Multidisciplinary
Keywords: Pancreatic cancer; BSA nanoparticles; hMDA-7 gene; nanotechnology; gene recombination
Affiliations: The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China., Nano New Material Key Laboratories of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China., Department of ICU, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.

Abstract:  Objectives: Pancreatic cancer is one of the most common malignancies of the digestive system, and remains a clinical challenge. This study aimed to assess the effects of bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles carrying the hMDA-7 gene (BSA-NP-hMDA-7) in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Methods: BSA-NP-hMDA-7 was generated by nanotechnology and gene recombination technology. A total of 5 BXPC-3 or PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cell groups were examined, including Control, BSA-NPs, Empty vector, hMDA-7 plasmid, and hMDA-7 BSA-NPs groups, respectively. Proliferation and apoptosis of cultured cells were assessed by the MTT method and flow-cytometry, respectively. In addition, pancreatic cancer models were established with both cell lines in nude mice, and the expression profiles of hMDA-7 and VEGF in cancer tissues were measured by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Results: BSA-NP-hMDA-7 nanoparticles were successfully generated, and significantly inhibited the proliferation of BXPC-3 and PANC-1 cells; in addition, apoptosis rates were higher in both cell lines after treatment with BSA-NP-hMDA-7 (P&lt;0.05). Nude mouse xenograft studies indicated that treatment with BSA-NP-hMDA-7 nanoparticles resulted in decreased tumor size. Moreover, the hMDA-7 protein was found in tumor tissues after hMDA-7 gene transfection, while BSA-NP-hMDA-7 significantly suppressed VEGF expression in tumor tissues. Similar results were obtained for both BXPC-3 and PANC-1 xenograft models. Conclusion: BSA nanoparticles carrying the hMDA-7 gene effectively transfected BXPC-3 and PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells, causing reduced cell proliferation and enhanced apoptosis in vitro. In mouse xenografts, BSA-NP-hMDA-7 treatment decreased tumor size and reduced VEGF expression. These findings indicated that BSA-NP-hMDA-7 might exert anticancer effects via VEGF suppression. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Could the authors closely examine Figure 5G? I believe 2 images overlap. ***  , 
 Could the authors also review figure 3A and 3C to confirm that 2 flow cytometry plots should be the same, as it appears that they are. ***  , 
 Thanks for the bring my attention of this matter and appreciate the reviewer s comment. We reviewed the original data and found that this was a copy paste error happened during compiling for publication. We have uncropped images and currently compiling the data for sending correction. We apoligize for the mistake we have made. We have contacted the editor of the journal and sent the original data to correct the error. And we will remember this lesson by our hearts in future work. I promise that a second event like this will not happen any more. Thank you again for you work. ,