Upregulation of GRIM-19 inhibits the growth and invasion of human breast cancer cells
Authors: Wei Geng
Duo Zhang
Ye Du
Wei Zhang
Jiuli Yuan
Tong Jiang
Journal: Molecular Medicine Reports (2015)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: GRIM-19; tumor suppressor; breast cancer; cell growth; migration
Affiliations: Department of Cosmetology Plastic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China., Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China., Department of Neurological Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China., Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China.

Abstract:  Gene associated with retinoid-interferon (IFN)-induced mortality 19 (GRIM-19), a novel IFN-β/retinoic acid-inducible gene product, has been identified as a potential tumor suppressor, which is associated with the inhibition of tumor growth. GRIM-19 has been demonstrated to be downregulated in the ovarian tissue of patients with breast cancer, however, its role in breast cancer remains to be fully elucidated. In the present study, a recombinant eukaryotic expression plasmid carrying GRIM-19 was constructed and then transfected into the MCF7 human breast cancer cell line to examine its effects on breast cancer cell growth, migration and invasion using several in vitro approaches. The results demonstrated that upregulation GRIM-19 in the MCF7 cells significantly inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion, and induced cell apoptosis. Additionally, upregulation of GRIM-19 also suppressed the secretion of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). It was also demonstrated that the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) was downregulated by the expression of GRIM-19. These results revealed that overexpression of the GRIM-19 gene may be an effective approach to control the growth and invasion of human breast cancer cells. 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 Figs 4B, 6B.  Western blot analysis of the protein expression levels of survivin and Bcl-2 using specific antibodies following plasmid tranduction ;  Western blot analysis of the expression levels of u-PA, MMP-2 and MMP-9 using antibodies against u-PA, MMP-2 and MMP-9. ![file] Peer-reviewers paying close attention there. Also of interest: Fig 4C from [Li et al (2015)] .  Western blot analysis of MMP-2 and MMP-9 protein expression after transfected with miR-338-3p mimics and corresponding negative controls. GAPDH was used as an internal control. ![] Discussed at more length in that thread. , 
 *[right]* Fig 1C.  Western blot analysis of the protein expression of GRIM-19 72 h after transfection. *[left]* Fig 1C from [Pan et al (2015)] .  Western blot analysis for STAT3 and LKB1 in SKVO3 cells transfected with different recombinant treatment plasmids. ![file] , 
 Retracted [16 June 2021] . ---------------------------------------------- Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editorsu2019 attention by a concerned reader that the western blotting data featured in Figs. 4B and 6B (wherein there was also a duplicated set of data bands) were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in other articles at different research institutes. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article were already under consideration for publication, or had already been published, elsewhere prior to its submission to Molecular Medicine Reports, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The authors did not reply to indicate whether or not they agreed with the retraction of the paper. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. ,