MicroRNA-101 induces apoptosis in cisplatin-resistant gastric cancer cells by targeting VEGF-C
Authors: Zhenjuan Li
Fang Yang
Shiyu Gu
Minghui Xue
Guangyan Li
Journal: Molecular Medicine Reports (2016)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: miR-101; cisplatin resistance; gastric cancer cells; VEGF-C; apoptosis
Affiliations: Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, Henan 453100, P.R. China., Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453000, P.R. China., Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, Henan 453100, P.R. China.

Abstract:  Deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) is known to be associated with drug resistance in human cancers. However, the precise role of miR‑101 in the cisplatin (DPP) resistance of human gastric cancer cells has not been elucidated, yet. The present study revealed that miR‑101 was markedly downregulated in gastric cancer cell lines compared to that in the normal gastric mucosa epithelial cell line GES1. Furthermore, a significant decrease in miR‑101 levels, accompanied with an increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‑C in DDP‑resistant SGC7901 gastric cancer cells (SGC7901/DDP) compared with those in native SGC7901 cells was observed. In addition, forced overexpression of miR‑101 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, while enhancing cisplatin‑induced apoptosis of SGC7901/DDP cells. A luciferase reporter assay confirmed that VEGF‑C was a direct target of miR‑101 in SGC7901/DDP cells. Forced overexpression of miR‑101 in SGC7901/DDP cells reduced the expression of VEGF‑C, while knockdown of miR‑101 expression significantly enhanced VEGF‑C expression in SGC7901/DDP cells. Finally, overexpression of VEGF‑C inhibited DDP‑induced apoptosis in SGC7901 cells. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggested that miR‑101 inhibited the proliferation and promoted DDP‑induced apoptosis of DDP‑resistant gastric cancer cells, at least in part via targeting VEGF-C. 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 Figs 3C and 5B.  DDP-induced apoptosis of SGC7901 DDP cells transfected with miR-101 mimics or inhibitor ;  DDP-induced apoptosis of SGC7901 DDP cells transfected with NC or VEGF-C plasmid. Fig 3 from [Lei et al (2015)] .  Cell apoptosis assay was performed on MG63 cells transfected with galectin-3 siRNA. ![file] Colored rectangles indicate unexpected similarities. ![file] , 
 Retracted [2 August 2021] . -------------------------------------- Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editorsu2019 attention by a concerned reader that certain of the cell apoptotic assay data shown in Figs. 3C and 5B 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. ,