miR-138 inhibits gastric cancer growth by suppressing SOX4
Authors: Bai Li
Liang Ge
Lei Pang
Liang Niu
Baisong Zheng
Journal: Oncology Reports (2017)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: MicroRNA-138; tumor suppressor; gastric cancer; progression; downregulated
Affiliations: Department of Anesthesiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China., Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China., Institute of Virology and AIDS Research, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China., Operating Room, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China.

Abstract:  MicroRNA-138 (miR-138) has been reported to be downregulated and function as a tumor suppressor in several cancers. However, the role and molecular mechanisms of miR-138 in the progression of gastric cancer (GC) remain to be clarified. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of miR-138 in GC progression. In the present study we found that miR-138 expression was downregulated in GC tissues and cell lines. Statistical analysis demonstrated that low expression levels of miR-138 were associated with advanced tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, and lymph node metastasis. Function assays demonstrated that overexpression of miR-138 impaired GC cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion in vitro, as well as suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Through reporter gene, qRT-PCR and western blot assays, SRY-related high mobility group box 4 (SOX4), a master mediator in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), was confirmed to be a direct target of miR-138 in GC cells. Western blot assay revealed that miR-138 overexpression inhibited EMT procession in GC cells by upregulation of epithelial marker E-cadherin and downregulation of mesenchymal markers, N-cadherin and vimentin. Furthermore, the levels of miR-138 were inversely correlated with those of SOX4 expression in GC tissues. Overexpression of SOX4 rescued the inhibition effect in GC cells caused by miR-138. Collectively, these findings indicate that miR-138 may be a potential therapeutic target for GC. 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 Fig 2C.  colony formation ...determined in SGC-7901 cells after transfection with miR-138 or miR-NC . ![file] Fig 2C from [Li et al (2016)] .  colony formation ... determined in U2OS cells after transfected with miR-613 mimic or miR-NC. ![file] I have concerns. UPDATE: Fig 2C from [Li et al (2017)] . ![file] , 
 Retracted [7 January 2022] . Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editorsu2019 attention by a concerned reader that certain of the colony formation assay data shown in Fig. 2C were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in other articles by different authors. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article had already been published elsewhere, or were already under consideration for publication, prior to its submission to *Oncology 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. ,