Upregulation of microRNA‑27b contributes to the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells via the inhibition of sprouty2‑mediated ERK signaling
Authors: Siqing Ding
Chunxiang Qin
Juan Jiang
Bo Yi
Wei Cao
Journal: Molecular Medicine Reports (2016)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: MicroRNAs; miR-27b; gastric cancer; SPRY2; migration
Affiliations: School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China., Department of General Surgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China., Department of Obstetrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China., Department of Nursing, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China., Department of Urology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, P.R. China.

Abstract:  MicroRNAs (miRs) have been demonstrated to be associated with the development, progression and prognosis of gastric cancer. However, the exact role of miR‑27b in the regulation of gastric cancer cells and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the current study, it was demonstrated that miR‑27b was significantly upregulated in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines, compared with their matched normal adjacent tissues and normal gastric epithelial cells, respectively. Luciferase reporter assay data indicated that sprouty2 (SPRY2) is a direct target of miR‑27b, and miR‑27b binds to the 3'‑untranslated region of SPRY2 mRNA. Overexpression of miR‑27b led to a significant reduction in the protein expression of SPRY2, while knockdown of miR‑27b enhanced the SPRY2 protein expression in gastric cancer cells. Furthermore, knockdown of miR‑27b promoted migration and invasion in gastric cancer cells, exhibiting similar effects to those of SPRY2 overexpression on the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells. Investigation of the molecular mechanisms identified that the activity of extracellular signal‑related kinase (ERK) signaling was mediated by miR‑27b and SPRY2 in gastric cancer cells. In addition, it was observed that SPRY2 was frequently downregulated in gastric cancer tissues compared with their matched normal adjacent tissues. In summary, it was suggested that miR‑27b promotes the migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells via inhibition of SPRY2‑mediated ERK signaling. Therefore, miR‑27b/SPRY2 may be used as a potential target for the treatment of gastric cancer. 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 *[below]* Fig 4C.  A Transwell assay was performed to examine the cell migration of GC7901 cells transfected with miR-27b inhibitor or pcDNA3.1-SPRY2 plasmids . *[above]* Fig 5 from [Peng et al (2013)] .  The invasion of U87 and CHG-5 cells after siRNA-mediated RACK1 downregulation . Unexpected similarities. ![file] **Update:** Fig 4A from [Liu et al (2016)] . ![] , 
 Retracted [13 August 2021] . -------------------------------- Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editorsu2019 attention by a concerned reader that the Transwell cell migration assay data shown in Fig. 4C 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 *Molecular Medicine Reports*, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The authors were asked for an explanation to account for these concerns, but the Editorial Office did not receive any reply. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. ,