MicroRNA-7 inhibits the malignant phenotypes of non‑small cell lung cancer in vitro by targeting Pax6
Authors: Hui Li
Chunfang Zhang
Jiashun Luo
Journal: Molecular Medicine Reports (2015)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: MicroRNA-7; Pax6; non-small cell lung cancer; NSCLC; cell proliferation
Affiliations: Institute of Medical Research, Jishou University College of Medicine, Jishou, Hunan 416000, P.R. China., Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China.

Abstract:  MicroRNA (miR)-7 has been reported to act as a suppressor in several types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In addition, paired box 6 (Pax6), a highly conserved transcriptional factor, has been implicated in NSCLC. However, the exact role of miR-7, and the association between miR-7 and Pax6 in NSCLC cells remain to be fully elucidated. The present study demonstrated that miR-7 was downregulated and Pax6 was upregulated in NSCLC cell lines. Subsequently, it was demonstrated that overexpression of miR-7 notably inhibited the protein expression of Pax6, while inhibition of miR-7 enhanced the protein expression of Pax6 in NSCLC A549 cells. Further investigation identified Pax6 as a target of miR-7 in A549 NSCLC cells. Ina ddition, the overexpression of miR-7 significantly inhibited A549 cell proliferation and invasion, which was reversed by upregulation of Pax6. Investigation of the underlying molecular mechanism revealed that the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were downregulated in the miR-7-overexpressed A549 cells, but were activated in the Pax6-overexpressed A549 cells. Based on these findings, it was suggested that miR-7 negatively regulates the protein level of Pax6, which can promote the proliferation and invasion of NSCLC cells via activation of the ERK and MAPK signaling pathways. Therefore, miR-7/Pax6 may offer potential for use as a target for the treatment of NSCLC. 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 Fig. 4.  A Transwell assay was used to measure the invasion capacity of A549 NSCLC cells transfected with the miR-7 mimics, the Pax6 plasmid, or cotransfected with the miR-7 mimics and Pax6 plasmid . ![file] For comparison: Fig 3 C D from [Zhang et al (2016)] .  Transwell assay were performed to examine the migratory and invasive capacities of Saos-2 and U2OS cells transfected with miR-205 mimic or miR-negative control (NC) mimic , and Fig 7C D,  Transwell assay were performed to examine cell migration and invasion of MG63 or U2OS cells transfected with miR-205 mimic, or co-transfected with miR-205 mimic and RUNX2 plasmid . ![] Also *[above]* Fig 4C from [Lai, Chen Li (2015)] .  a Transwell assay were performed to examine the cell proliferation of AGS cells transfected with miR-133a mimics, miR-133a inhibitor, or co-transfected with miR-133a mimics and FSCN1 plasmid. Control: AGS cells without any transfection. *[below]* Figs 3(B), 6(B) from [Shi et al (2015)] .  Transwell assay was performed to determine the invasive capacity of the Saos-2 and U-2 OS cells transfected with NC scramble miRNA or miR-204 mimics, respectively. Control, Saos-2 and U-2 OS cells without any transfection ...  Transwell assay was performed to determine the invasive capacity of the Saos-2 and U-2 OS cells transfected with Sirt1 siRNA or co-transfected with miR-204 mimics and the Sirt1 plasmid, respectively. Control, Saos-2 and U-2 OS cells without any transfection . ![file] , 
 *[left]* Fig 2B.  Protein levels of Pax6 were determined using western blotting in A549 NSCLC cells transfected with miR-7 mimics or inhibitor, respectively. *[right]* Fig 4B from [Meng et al (2015)] .  Western blot analysis was used to determine the protein expression of p27 and cyclin D1 in MCF-7 cells following transfection with the miR-335 mimic or the PAX6 plasmid . Unexpected similarity. ![file] , 
 Retracted [5 August 2021] . ------------------------------------------------ Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editorsu2019 attention by a concerned reader that certain of the Transwell cell migration data shown in Fig. 4 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. ,