Retracted : Effects of microRNA‐129 and its target gene c‐Fos on proliferation and apoptosis of hippocampal neurons in rats with epilepsy via the MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Yu-Tong Zhang
Dong-Mei Wu
Jun Lu
Yuan-Lin Zheng
Journal: Journal of Cellular Physiology (2018)
Discipline: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY & GENETICS
Keywords: MAPK signaling pathway; apoptosis; c-Fos; epilepsy; hippocampal neurons
Affiliations: Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, Xuzhou, P. R. China., Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, P. R. China.

Abstract:  This study aims to investigate the effect of microRNA-129 (miR-129) on proliferation and apoptosis of hippocampal neurons in epilepsy rats by targeting c-Fos via the MAPK signaling pathway. Thirty rats were equally classified into a model group (successfully established as chronic epilepsy models) and a normal group. Expression of miR-129, c-Fos, bax, and MAPK was detected by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Hippocampal neurons were assigned into normal, blank, negative control (NC), miR-129 mimic, miR-129 inhibitor, siRNA-c-Fos, miR-129 inhibitor+siRNA-c-Fos groups. The targeting relationship between miR-129 and c-Fos was predicted and verified by bioinformatics websites and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Cell proliferation after transfection was measured by MTT assay, and cell cycle and apoptosis by flow cytometry. c-Fos is a potential target gene of miR-129. Compared with the normal group, the other six groups showed a decreased miR-129 expression; increased expression of expression of c-Fos, Bax, and MAPK; decreased proliferation; accelerated apoptosis; more cells arrested in the G1 phase; and fewer cells arrested in the S phase. Compared with the blank and NC groups, the miR-129 mimic group and the siRNA-c-Fos group showed decreased expression of c-Fos, Bax, and MAPK, increased cells proliferation, and decreased cell apoptosis, fewer cells arrested in the G1 phase and more cells arrested in the S phase. However, the miR-129 inhibitor groups showed reverse consequences. This study suggests that miR-129 could inhibit the occurrence and development of epilepsy by repressing c-Fos expression through inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway. 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 Fig 5A: ![file] The resolution is not ideal, but the resemblance is clear to Fig. 3B from [Jin et al (2107)] and Fig 3B from [Wu et al (2019)] . ![file] Other manifestations listed in the linked threads. , 
 Fig 8A. ![file] For comparison Fig 3C of [Luo et al (2018)] : ![] Fig 9A from [Wu et al (2018a)] , or 5C of [Wu et al (2018b)] . ![] , 
 Retracted [30 June 2021] . ------------------------ The above article, published online on 30 November 2017 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. Several flaws and inconsistencies between results presented and experimental methods described were found. The editors consider the conclusions of this article to be invalid. ,