MiR-203 over-expression promotes prostate cancer cell apoptosis and reduces ADM resistance
Authors: Z Ding
Y Zhang
L-Z Chen
S-T He
X-H Wang
Journal: European review for medical and pharmacological sciences (2018)
Discipline: PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY
Keywords: ERK/MAPK signaling pathway; microRNA 203; MEK1; prostate cancer; cell proliferation
Affiliations: Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China. .

Abstract:  Objective: Extra-cellular signal regulated kinase (ERK)/mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway is widely involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and drug resistance. MAPK kinase 1 (MEK1) is the upstream protein kinase of ERK that can activate ERK/MAPK signaling pathway. microRNA 203 (MiR-203) down-regulation is found to be associated with prostate cancer pathogenesis. Bioinformatics analysis showed the complementary targeted relationship between miR-203 and the 3'-UTR of MEK1 mRNA. This study explored the role of miR-203 in regulating prostate cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, and ADM resistance through affecting MEK1 expression. Materials and methods: Dual luciferase assay confirmed the targeted relationship between miR-203 and MEK1. MiR-203, MEK1, p-ERK1/2, and B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expressions were compared in normal prostate epithelial cells PrEC, prostate cancer cells PC-3M, and drug resistance cells PC-3M/ADM. PC-3M, PC-3M/ADM cell apoptosis and proliferation were detected by using flow cytometry under ADM treatment at IC50 concentration of PC-3M cells. PC-3M cells were cultured in vitro and divided into four groups, including microRNA-normal control (miR-NC), miR-203 mimic, small interfere NC (si-NC), and si-MEK1. Results: MiR-203 targeted and inhibited MEK1 expression. MiR-203 levels and cell apoptosis were significantly lower, while MEK1, p-ERK1/2, Bcl-2, and cell proliferation were significantly higher in PC-3M/ADM cells compared to the PC-3M cells. MiR-203 mimic and/or si-MEK1 transfection significantly reduced MEK1, p-ERK1/2, and Bcl-2 levels, attenuated cell proliferation, induced cell apoptosis, and decreased drug resistance. Conclusions: MiR-203 elevation suppressed prostate cancer PC-3M cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and weakened ADM resistance through targeted inhibiting MEK1 expression to alleviate ERK/MAPK signaling pathway and Bcl-2 expression. 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 This article has been withdrawn in 2020. The original paper PDF has been removed from the journal s website, but has been archived here: https: web.archive.org web 20200209163718 https: www.europeanreview.org wp wp-content uploads 3734-3741.pdf One of the most obvious problems are the pitch-black Western blot bands, which look artificial and not real. This paper most likely belongs to the  Pitch Black paper mill (AKA Paper Mill #2) described here: https: forbetterscience.com 2020 02 27 dark-satanic-papermills Here is Figure 2 as an illustration. ![file] , 
 The paper is indeed included in the Papermill #2 spreadsheet. https: docs.google.com spreadsheets d 1qBqQMXgzxoBd5bTbqdMuapGheupE5bdIopypju417NM edit?usp=sharing UPDATE: Full credit to the publisher, who subsequently restored the PDF in watermarked form. Since this article has been suspected of research misconduct and the corresponding authors did not respond to our request to prove originality of data and figures, u201cMiR-203 regulates proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells by targeting SOCS3, by H.-P. Liu, Y. Zhang, Z.-T. Liu, H. Qi, X.-M. Zheng, L.-H. Qi, J.-Y. Wang, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2019; 23 (21): 9286-9294u2013DOI: 10.26355 eurrev_201911_19421u2013PMID: 31773696u201d has been withdrawn. [The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause] . ![file] , 
 From the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People s Republic of China:  [Results of the investigation and handling of medical research integrity cases in some educational and medical institutions](http: www.most.gov.cn zxgz kycxjs kycxgzdt 202203 t20220318_179892.html) (March 17, 2022) . Thanks Google Translate. -------------------------- 14.  MiR-203 over-expression promotes prostate cancer cell apoptosis and reduces ADM resistance by Wang Xinghuan as the corresponding author and Chen Lezhong as the first author, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University. After investigation, it was found that there were acts of buying and selling papers and improper signatures in the paper. Wang Xinghuan was unaware of the submission and writing of the thesis; he dealt with Chen Lezhong as follows: exhortation of scientific research integrity, suspension of application qualifications for state-funded scientific research projects for 2 years, and revocation of the professional doctorate degree in clinical medicine. (Notification link: http: xkjspt.znhospital.cn tzgg 8840.jhtml) ,