Linc01234 promotes cell proliferation and metastasis in oral squamous cell carcinoma via miR-433/PAK4 axis
Authors: Deyu Liu
Xinchun Jian
Rong Zhu
Yuan Wang
Pu Xu
Journal: BMC cancer (2020)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: Linc01234; OSCC; PAK4; ceRNA; miR-433.
Affiliations: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Haikou, 570208, China., Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Haikou, 570208, China. ., Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China. ., Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.

Abstract:  Background: Increasing studies have demonstrated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in tumor progression. However, the potential biological functions and clinical importance of Linc01234 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain unclear. Methods: We evaluated the expression profile and prognostic value of Linc01234 in OSCC tissues by RT-qPCR. Then, functional in vitro experiments were performed to investigate the effects of Linc01234 on tumor growth, migration and invasion in OSCC. Mechanistically, RT-qPCR, bioinformatic analysis and dual luciferase reporter assays were performed to identify a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism involving Linc01234, miR-433-3p and PAK4. Results: We found that Linc01234 was clearly upregulated in OSCC tissues and cell lines, and its level was positively associated with T stage, lymph node metastasis, differentiation and poor prognosis of patients with OSCC. Our results shown that Linc01234 inhibited cell proliferation and metastatic abilities in CAL27 and SCC25 cells following its knockdown. Mechanistic analysis indicated that Linc01234 may act as a ceRNA (competing endogenous RNA) of miR-433-3p to relieve the repressive effect of miR-433-3p on its target PAK4. Conclusions: Our results indicated that Linc01234 promotes OSCC progression through the Linc01234/miR-433/PAK4 axis and might be a potential therapeutic target for OSCC. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Figure 3A. * Red, aqua, and yellow boxes show unexpected areas of overlap - suggestive for all four samples being derived from the same sample ![file] , 
 Figure 3D: * Green boxes: The 48h control group and 48h siNC panels appear to look very similar. ![file] , 
 Dear Dr. Bik, Thank you very much for pointing the errors in our publication and we are very sorry about this problem. Our response to your comments is showed as below: Regarding the Fig 3A In Fig 3A, the data of Boyden chamber assays in the control group and siNC group are too similar and the other area of picture of siNC cells was mistakably reused as the control group cells. These errors have been corrected in the revised Fig 3A attached below. In addition, the original data of three repeated experiments from Fig 3A were also showed below. ![file] ![file] ![file] Regarding the Fig 3D Looking back at the original data, we found that the control group data wasnu2019t shown and instead the siNC group data was shown twice. The mistake appears to have happened when preparing the Illustrator file as the correct data appears similar such that we overlooked it. The error has been corrected in the revised Fig 3D attached below, which now includes a correct image of wound-healing assay in the control group. ![file] We will contact the editor to solve the problem immediately. Thanks again for your kindly remind. If you have any questions, please donu2019t hesitate to let us know.! Best regardsuff01 Xinchun Jian ,