MicroRNA‑423‑3p promotes glioma growth by targeting PANX2
Authors: Renjun Peng
Jian Xi
Jing Xu
He Huang
Jian He
Journal: Oncology Letters (2018)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: apoptosis; glioma; microRNA; pannexin 2; proliferation.
Affiliations: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China., Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China.

Abstract:  Previously, a number of microRNAs (miRs) have been identified to participate in the development and progression of glioma via the regulation of their target genes. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of miR-423-3p in glioma growth remain unclear. In the present study, the reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to assess the mRNA and protein expression levels of miR-423-3p, respectively. An MTT assay and flow cytometry were performed to determine cell proliferation and apoptosis, respectively. A luciferase reporter gene assay was performed to determine the target association between pannexin 2 (PANX2) and miR-423-3p. It was revealed that miR-423-3p was significantly upregulated in glioma tissues compared with normal brain tissues, and the increased expression of miR-423-3p was significantly associated with an advanced grade as well as a poorer prognosis of patients with glioma. Inhibition of miR-423-3p using an miR-423-3p inhibitor resulted in the decreased proliferation of glioma U251 and U87MG Uppsala cells, and the induction of apoptosis. PANX2 was identified as a novel target gene of miR-423-3p, and the expression of PANX2 was revealed to be increased in U251 and U87MG Uppsala cells when miR-423-3p was inhibited. Knockdown of PANX2 attenuated the effects of miR-423-3p inhibition on glioma cell proliferation and apoptosis. Furthermore, PANX2 was significantly downregulated in glioma tissues compared with normal brain tissues, and its levels were markedly lower in World Health Organization (WHO) stage III-IV gliomas compared with WHO stage I-II gliomas. Additionally, the expression levels of PANX2 were identified to be inversely correlated with miR-423-3p expression levels in glioma tissues. Consequently, targeting miR-423-3p may inhibit glioma growth via the upregulation of PANX2. 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 *[below]* Fig 3F.  Western blotting was used to examine the protein levels of PANX2 in (F) U251 ... cells transfected with miR-423-3p inhibitor or NC inhibitor . *[upper left]* Fig 4A from [Zhou et al (2016)] . *[upper right]* Fig 5B from [Li et al (2018)] . ![file] , 
 Retracted [2 June 2021] .  Subsequently to the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editorsu2019 attention by a concerned reader that the western blot data featured in Fig. 3F of the article were strikingly similar to data that had appeared in another article by different authors. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already appeared in another article prior to its submission to Oncology Letters, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The authors also requested either a corrigendum or a retraction of this paper on account of problems that has been identified with the antibodies used for the western blotting experiments. Upon consulting the authors, they agreed that the article should be retracted. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. ---------------------------------------------- Background [here] . ,