Decreased microRNA-132 and its function in human non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Xiyu Liu
Youbin Cui
Song Yan
Changyan Pei
Journal: Molecular Medicine Reports (2015)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: MicroRNA-132; non-small cell lung cancer; tumorigenesis; progression; expression
Affiliations: Department of Chest Surgery, The First Bethune Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China., Department of Chest Surgery, The Cancer Hospital of Jilin Province, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China., Department of Medical Administration, Jilin Province People's Hospital, Changchun, Jilin 130000, P.R. China.

Abstract:  MicroRNA‑132 (miR‑132) has been shown to be dysregulated in certain types of human malignancies and is associated with tumor progression. However, its function in non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and whether it is differentially expressed in this disease, remain unclear. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of miR‑132 on NSCLC tumorigenesis and progression. Using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction, miR‑132 expression was detected in NSCLC cell lines and primary tumor tissues. The association between miR‑132 expression, and clinicopathological factors and prognosis was assessed using statistical analysis. An MTT assay, ﬂow cytometry, Transwell invasion assays and scratch migration assays were conducted in order to examine the proliferation, apoptosis, invasion and migration of NSCLC cells that had been transfected with miR‑132 mimics or inhibitors. The results showed that miR‑132 expression levels were significantly downregulated in NSCLC cells compared with that in corresponding non‑cancerous lung tissues (P&lt;0.001). In addition, reduced miR‑132 expression was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (P=0.003), an advanced tumor‑node‑metastasis stage (P&lt;0.001) and shorter overall survival (P&lt;0.001). Multivariate regression analysis confirmed that downregulation of miR‑132 was an independent predictor of prognosis. Furthermore, transfection of miR‑132 mimics into the NSCLC cells reduced cell proliferation, invasion and migration, and promoted cell apoptosis. These findings indicate that miR‑132 may be a novel diagnostic and prognostic marker, as well as a potential target for molecular therapy in NSCLC. 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 Fig 5: ![file] Fig 6: ![file] Compare. e.g., Fig 3 from [Hou et al (2015)] : ![] The present paper appears to be another member of a network of mutually-plagiarised papers reconstructed by [a Chinese science-integrity enthusiast] , blogging in 2016 and citing work by the now-vanished site PlagiarismWatch. Some of this series of retractions was [covered by RetractionWatch] . ![file] ![file] , 
 Retracted [May 20 2021] .  Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editorsu2019 attention by a concerned reader that the data shown in Fig. 5 and 6 were the same as those featured in another paper by different authors. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article were already under consideration for publication elsewhere prior to its submission to Molecular Medicine Reports, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. After having been in contact with the authors, they agreed with the decision to retract the paper. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. ,