MiR-206 functions as a tumor suppressor and directly targets K-Ras in human oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Feiou Lin
Zhenyu Ni
Jin Xiao
DengFeng Liu
Linjie Yao
Journal: OncoTargets and Therapy (2014)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: apoptosis; invasion; miR-206; oral squamous cell carcinoma; prognosis
Affiliations: Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China., Department of Pedodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China., Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, People's Republic of China.

Abstract:  Purpose: MicroRNA-206 (miR-206) has been proven to be downregulated in many human malignancies and is correlated with tumor progression. However, the roles of miR-206 and its related molecular mechanisms in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are still unclear. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the effects of miR-206 in OSCC tumorigenesis and development. Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect miR-206 expression in OSCC cell lines and primary tumor tissues. The association of miR-206 expression with clinicopathological factors and prognosis was also analyzed. In addition, the effects of miR-206 on the biological behavior of OSCC cells were investigated. Lastly, the potential regulatory function of miR-206 on K-Ras expression was confirmed. Results: MiR-206 expression was significantly downregulated in OSCC tissue samples and cell lines (both P&lt;0.001). Decreased miR-206 expression was significantly associated with advanced tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, advanced T classifications (ie, size and/or extent of the primary tumor), positive N classification (ie, spread to regional lymph nodes), and shorter overall survival. In addition, upregulation of miR-206 in Tca8113 cells was able to reduce cell proliferation, invasion, and migration and promote cell apoptosis in vitro. Further, K-Ras was confirmed as a direct target of miR-206 by using luciferase reporter assay. Conclusion: These findings indicate that miR-206 may act as a tumor suppressor in OSCC and could serve as a novel therapeutic agent for miR-based therapy. 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 Retracted [20 October 2016] :  The Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of OncoTargets and Therapy have been alerted to unacceptable levels of duplication with another published paper: Zhang D, Ni Z, Xu X, and Xiao J. MiR-32 Functions as a Tumor Suppressor and Directly Targets EZH2 in Human Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Medical Science Monitor. 20:2527u20132535, 2014.  Accordingly, we retract Lin FO, Yao LJ, Xiao J, Liu DF, and Ni ZY. MiR-206 functions as a tumor suppressor and directly targets K-Ras in human oral squamous cell carcinoma. Onco-Targets and Therapy. 2014;7:1583u20131591. ------------------------------------------------------------- In addition to the overlap with [Zhang et al (2014)] in MSM, [a Chinese science-integrity enthusiast noted in 2016] that the present paper overlaps with [Tang et al (2016)] ,  Decreased miR-452 expression in human colorectal cancer and its tumor suppressive function [**RETRACTED**]. ![] ![] ![] From there a network of overlap extends to (among others) [Zhu et al (2014)] ,  Decreased microRNA-224 and its clinical significance in non-small cell lung cancer patients [**Expression of Concern**]. The same flow-cytometry scatterplots and Invasion Migration assays are visible. ![file] ![file] The anonymous blogger suspected that there could be a papermill at work, using predatory journals to defraud the Chinese research-funding authorities, though it is not clear who is using whom. ![file] ,