Effects of microRNA-146a on the proliferation and apoptosis of human osteoarthritis chondrocytes by targeting TRAF6 through the NF-κB signalling pathway
Authors: Jun-Hua Zhong
Shu-Yi Yan
Yong-Bing Zhang
Cui-Fang Liu
Rui-Xiang Bian
Shou-Mei Zhao
Ning Liu
Jing Li
Journal: Bioscience Reports (2017)
Discipline: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY & GENETICS
Keywords: Chondrocyte; MicroRNA-146a; NF-κB signaling pathway; Osteoarthritis; Proliferation
Affiliations: Department of Surgery, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying 257091, P.R. China., Department of Joint Surgery, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying 257091, P.R. China., Department of Joint Surgery, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying 257091, P.R. China .

Abstract:  The present study aims to investigate the effects of miR-146a on the proliferation and apoptosis of human osteoarthritis (OA) chondrocytes by targeting tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) through nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signalling pathway. Human normal and OA chondrocytes were selected and divided into the normal group, blank group, negative control (NC) group, miR-146a mimics group, miR-146a inhibitors, miR-146a inhibitor + si-TRAF6 group and si-TRAF6 group. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was applied to detect the expressions of miR-146a, TRAF6 mRNA and NF-κB mRNA. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expressions of TRAF6 and NF-κB. CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry were used to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis. Compared with normal chondrocytes, the expression of miR-146a decreased, while the mRNA and protein expressions of TRAF6 and NF-κB increased in OA chondrocytes. OA chondrocytes had a lower proliferation rate and a higher apoptosis rate than the normal chondrocytes. Compared with the blank, NC and si-TRAF6 groups, the expression of miR-146a increased in the miR-146a mimics group, but decreased in the miR-146a inhibitors and miR-146a inhibitor + si-TRAF6 groups. Compared with the blank, NC and miR-146a inhibitor + si-TRAF6 groups, the mRNA and protein expressions of TRAF6 and NF-κB decreased, cell proliferation rate increased and cell apoptosis rate decreased in the miR-146a mimics and si-TRAF6 groups, while opposite trends were observed in the miR-146a inhibitors group. Our study suggests that miR-146a could promote proliferation and inhibit apoptosis of OA chondrocytes by inhibiting TRAF6 expression and suppressing the activation of NF-κB signalling pathway. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Fig 5B.  The protein expressions of TRAF6 and NF-u03baB in human normal and OA chondrocytes ... (B) protein bands . ![file] An early appearance of a repertoire of protein blobs and a loading control that recur frequently in the literature. The loading control is distinguished by the bubbles beneath one of the blobs and forming an eye on another. A montage of other examples: ![] A [subsequent Commentary] within the same journal praised this paper for the compelling nature of its resutls. , 
 [July 12 2017] : Admiring commentary by C.West and M. F. McDermott, considering the implications of this stimulating, ground-breaking research with its  compelling data . [September 28 2020] . Expression of Concern. [June 8 2021] : ------------------------------------ This Retraction follows an Expression of Concern relating to this article previously published by Portland Press. This article is being retracted from Bioscience Reports at the request of the Editor-in-Chief and the Editorial Board following receipt of a notification from a reader, alerting the Editorial Board to the GAPDH Western blots in Figure 5B which are duplicated in several other publications. The authors have been contacted in regards to the retraction, and have not responded to the Journal s queries and the concerns raised. Given the extent of the issues raised, the Editorial Board stand by the decision to retract the article. ,