Retracted : MicroRNA‐421 suppresses the apoptosis and autophagy of hippocampal neurons in epilepsy mice model by inhibition of the TLR/MYD88 pathway
Authors: Yong-Jian Wang
Dong-Mei Wu
Xin-Rui Han
Bin Hu
Chun-Hui Sun
Xin Wen
Min Shen
Liang Wang
Meng-Qiu Li
Jun Lu
Shan Wang
Shao-Hua Fan
Qun Shan
Zi-Feng Zhang
Yuan-Lin Zheng
Journal: Journal of Cellular Physiology (2018)
Discipline: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY & GENETICS
Keywords: TLR/MYD88 pathway; apoptosis; autophagy; epilepsy; hippocampal neurons
Affiliations: Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China., College of Health Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, P.R., China.

Abstract:  Epilepsy is a group of neurological disorders characterized by epileptic seizures. In this study, we aim to explore the role of microRNA-421 (miR-421) in hippocampal neurons of epilepsy mice via the TLR/MYD88 pathway. Forty mice were randomly served as the normal and model (established as epilepsy model) groups. Hippocampal neurons were assigned into seven groups with different transfections. The RT-qPCR and western blotting were conducted to examine the expression of miR-421 TLR2, TLR4, MYD88, Bax, Bcl-2, p53, Beclin-1, and LC3II/LC3I. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were detected by MTT and flow cytometry.MYD88 is a target gene of miR-421. Model mice showed elevated expression of TLR2, TLR4, MYD88, Bax, p53, Beclin-1, and LC3II/LC3I but reduced expression of miR-421 and Bcl-2. In vitro experiments reveals that overexpression of miR-421 inhibited the TLR/MYD88 pathway. Besides, overexpressed miR-421 declined cell apoptosis but increased cell proliferation. It reveals that miR-421 targeting MYD88 could inhibit the apoptosis and autophagy of hippocampal neurons in epilepsy mice by down-regulating the TLR/MYD88 pathway. 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 FIGURE 12(a)  MiR-421 inhibits cell apoptosis of hippocampal neurons. Notes: (a) cell apoptosis using flow cytometry . ![file] Blank and NC panels are almost identical, with most of the points in common. ![file] The miR-421-mimics panel is also surprisingly similar, especially in the upper-left and lower-right quadrants. Here I have black-white reversed mir-421-mimics and superimposed it on NC. White and black points are cells unique to the former and latter respectively; cells found in both plots cancel out. ![file] , 
 This trend of points in common extends across all panels in Fig 12. ![file] , 
 FIGURE 11(a)  The determination of flow cytometry shows that overexpressed miR-421 arrests cell in the S phase. Notes: (a) cell cycle using flow cytometry . ![file] With peaks like these, the raw cell-count histograms resemble the skyline of Pisa. , 
 Fig 2(a),  Pathological changes of hippocampal CA1 region were found in the model group. Note: (a) hippocampal CA1 region in the two groups using HE staining . ![file] Compare with Fig 3A from [Han et al (2018)] ,  The combined action of miRu2010140u20105p and DEX protects neurons of hippocampal CA 1 region in the left hemisphere observed by HE staining and Nissl staining. Notes: A, HE staining of pyramid neurons in the hippocampal CA 1 region of the left hemisphere . ![file]  Sham or  Normal ? Could the authors clarify? , 
 Fig 4(a).  TUNEL staining indicates that the model group had increased cell apoptosis rate in hippocampal CA1 region. Note: (a) cell apoptosis of the two groups using TUNEL staining . ![file] Fig 4A from [Piao et al (2018)] :  Cell apoptosis in rats from each group by TUNEL staining (200 u00d7) (n = 6). Notes: A, Results of TUNEL staining in each group . ![file] Images overlap. No authors in common. How did this happen? , 
 Fig 2(b),  Pathological changes of hippocampal CA1 region were found in the model group. ... ; (b) hippocampal CA1 region in the two groups using Nissl s staining . Also, between the NC and Normal panels (after a horizontal flip). ![file] After a 180-def flip and a vertical flip, the Normal and Model panels are surprisingly similar to the NC and Inhibitor panels of Figure 1A of [Han et al (2018)] .  Nissl staining for neurons in rats among seven groups Note: A, result of Nissl staining . ![file] Apologies for the low-res copy. Could the authors check? , 
 Retracted [30 June 2021] . -------------------------------------- The above article, published online on 30 January 2018 in Wiley Online Library has been retracted by agreement between the journal s Editor in Chief, Prof. Dr. Gregg Fields, and Wiley Periodicals LLC. The retraction has been agreed following an investigation based on allegations raised by a third party. A detailed investigation revealed that several image elements of the experimental data were published elsewhere in a different scientific context. Thus, the editors consider the conclusions of this article to be invalid. , 
 Assessed here, as part of the first of 10 broad investigations: https: www.nsfc.gov.cn publish portal0 tab442 info85495.htm **Decisions on handling scientific research misconduct cases investigated and dealt with in 2022 (first batch)** Date 2022-05-13 Source: u3000 Author: u3000 u3010 Large, Middle and Small u3011 u3010Printu3011 u3010Closeu3011 u3000u3000The National Natural Science Foundation of China resolutely implements the spirit of the  Several Opinions on Further Strengthening the Construction of Scientific Research Integrity and  Opinions on Further Promoting the Spirit of Scientists and Strengthening the Construction of Style and Study Style by the General Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the General Office of the State Council. Horizontal science and technology are self-reliant and self-reliant, continue to carry out scientific research integrity construction, and seriously investigate and deal with scientific research misconduct involving the National Natural Science Foundation of China. The Supervision Committee of the National Natural Science Foundation of China conducts investigations, verifications and comprehensive judgments on the accepted scientific research integrity cases, in accordance with the Regulations of the National Natural Science Foundation of ) and  Measures for Investigation and Handling of Scientific Research Misconduct in National Natural Science Foundation of China and other regulations and systems to propose handling suggestions. After deliberation at the second executive meeting of the National Natural Science Foundation of China in 2022, it was decided to deal with the relevant parties involved. The 10 handling decisions (online release version) that have been criticized and criticized are hereby announced. -------------------------------- About the existence of papers published on Wu Dongmei, Zheng Yuanlin, Lu Jun, etc. - Falsification of pictures or data, fabrication of research process, use of others signatures without consent, and false information in project final reports - processing decision - National Science and Technology Financial Supervisory Office [2022] No. 1 u3000u3000The Supervision Committee of the National Natural Science Foundation of China launched an investigation into several papers of Jiangsu Normal University, including Wu Dongmei, Zheng Yuanlin, and Jun Jun, for suspected academic misconduct. The papers involved are as follows: ... Paper 28:  Xin Wen # , Xin-Rui Han # , Yong-Jian Wang # , Shan Wang, Min Shen, Zi-Feng Zhang, Shao-Hua Fan, Qun Shan, Liang Wang, Meng-Qiu Li, Bin Hu, Chun-Hui Sun, Dong-Mei Wu*, Jun Lu*, Yuan-Lin Zheng*. **MicroRNA-421 suppresses the apoptosis and autophagy of hippocampal neurons in epilepsy mice model by inhibition of the TLR MYD88 pathway**. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, 2018, 233(9):7022-7034.u201d (marked with fund numbers 81271225, 81171012, 81571055, 81400902, 81570531) ... u3000u3000According to the investigation of the supporting unit, the above 35 papers involved all have the problem of improper use of pictures or data fraud, and the pictures or data in question are all provided by third-party companies. Among the 35 papers involved, 34 (except paper 21) still have the problem of using others signatures without consent, and papers 4, 5, 9, 12, 30, and 34 also have the problem of fabricating the research process. Wu Dongmei is the author of the above 35 papers involved, of which 12 papers (papers 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 25, 26, 30, 35) are the first author and 22 papers (Paper 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 34) Corresponding author, They should be primarily responsible for the objective results of falsifying pictures or data, using others signatures without consent, and fabricating research processes; Zheng Yuanlin and Lu Jun, as the co-corresponding authors of the 35 papers involved, were negligent in reviewing and took secondary responsibility. In addition, Wu Dongmei included 4 papers involved (papers 21, 24, 28, 29) in the final report of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 81400902), and Zheng Yuanlin included 9 papers involved (papers 6, 8, 10, 13, 21, 24, 26, 28, 29) included in the final report of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 81571055), and should be responsible for the objective results of false information in the final report. u3000u3000After deliberation at the 12th meeting of the Fifth Supervision Committee of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Life Medicine Professional Committee) and the approval of the second executive meeting of the National Natural Science Foundation of China in 2022, it was decided to follow the thirty-fifth National Natural Science Foundation of China Regulations. Article 4, Article 17, Items 3, 4, and 9 of  Measures for Handling Misconduct in Science Fund Work by the Supervision Committee of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (for Trial Implementation) , revocation of Wu Dongmei s National Natural Science Foundation of Molecular mechanism of TRPV4-mediated domoic acid treatment-induced cognitive deficits in mice (Grant No. 81400902), recovering the allocated funds, permanently disqualifying Wu Dongmei from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (since January 18, 2022), Give Wu Dongmei a circular of criticism; decide to follow Article 35, item 4 of the  National Natural Science Foundation of China Regulations , and refer to  The National Natural Science Foundation of China Supervision Committee s Handling of Misconduct in Science Fund Work (Trial) Tenth Items 3 and 4 of seven articles, the Zheng Yuanlin National Natural Science Foundation of China project  The Mechanism of HDAC6 Activating HMGB1 RAGE Signaling Axis to Mediate Cognitive Defects in Type 2 Diabetic Mice (Approval No. 81571055), recover the allocated funds, cancel Zheng Yuanlin will be eligible to apply for the National Natural Science Foundation of China for 5 years (January 18, 2022 to January 17, 2027), and will give Zheng Yuanlin a notice of criticism; it is decided to refer to the  National Natural Science Foundation of China Supervision Committee on misconduct in the work of the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Items 3 and 4 of Article 17 of the Measures (for Trial Implementation), the Army s National Natural Science Foundation of China project application qualification will be cancelled for 5 years (January 18, 2022 to January 17, 2027), and the Army will be criticized in a circular. - National Natural Science Foundation of China - March 30, 2022 ,