Inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway underlies inhibitory role of microRNA-129-5p in epithelial–mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis of prostate cancer by targeting ZIC2
Authors: Yuxi Zhang
Zhenming Jiang
Pingeng Wu
Xi Chen
Dong Chen
Journal: Cancer Cell International (2019)
Discipline: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY & GENETICS
Keywords: Angiogenesis; Epithelial–mesenchymal transition; Prostate cancer; Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway; Zinc-finger protein of the cerebellum 2
Affiliations: 1Department of Urology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155, Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, 110001 Liaoning People's Republic of China., Department of Urology, People's Hospital of Datong Hui and Tu Autonomous County, No. 1, Wenhua Road, Qiaotou Town, Datong Hui and Tu Autonomous County, Xining, 810100 Qinghai People's Republic of China., 3Department of Pharmacy, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 People's Republic of China., 4Central Lab, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001 People's Republic of China.

Abstract:  Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common disease that often occurs among older men and a frequent cause of malignancy associated death in this group. microRNA (miR)-129-5p has been identified as an essential regulator with a significant role in the prognosis of PC. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate roles of miR-129-5p in PCa. Methods: Microarray analysis was conducted to identify PCa-related genes. The expression of miR-129-5p and ZIC2 in PCa tissues was investigated. To understand the role of miR-129-5p and ZIC2 in PCa, DU145 cells were transfected with mimic or inhibitor of miR-129-5p, or si-ZIC2 and the expression of Wnt, β-catenin, E-cadherin, vimentin, N-cadherin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and CD31, as well as the extent of β-catenin phosphorylation was determined. In addition, cell proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, apoptosis and tumorigenesis were detected. Results: miR-129-5p was poorly expressed and ZIC2 was highly expressed in PCa tissues. Down-regulation of ZIC2 or overexpression of miR-129-5p reduced the expression of ZIC2, Wnt, β-catenin, N-cadherin, vimentin, and β-catenin phosphorylation but increased the expression of E-cadherin. Importantly, miR-129-5p overexpression significantly reduced cell migration, invasion, angiogenesis and tumorigenesis while increasing cell apoptosis. Conclusions: The findings of the present study indicated that overexpression of miR-129-5p or silencing of ZIC2 could inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and angiogenesis in PCa through blockage of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Figures 6 and 7 appear to have some image overlaps ![file] ![file] , 
 Correct to the article has been published. Here is the link: https: cancerci.biomedcentral.com articles 10.1186 s12935-021-01945-5 , 
 *[above]* Figs 3E, 6D from  hsa_circ_001653 Implicates in the Development of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma by Regulating MicroRNA-377-Mediated HOXC6 Axis ([Shi et al 2020] ). *[below]* **Fig 7a** (pre-correction version). ![file] Two otherwise-unrelated papers seem to have obtained their angiogenesis images from the same source. , 
 #3 The two papers also share sincere gratitude to the reviewers... ![file] ... and a style of Western Blotting. ![file] ,