MiR-139-5p inhibits migration and invasion of colorectal cancer by downregulating AMFR and NOTCH1
Authors: Bojian Fei
Zehua Bian
Yuan Yin
Xiang Du
Zhaohui Huang
Qifeng Wang
Dong Hua
Yaling Hu
Weili Wang
Jiwei Zhang
Leyuan Zhou
Binbin Zhang
Chao Quan
Shujuan Ni
Mingxu Song
Journal: Protein & Cell (2014)
Discipline: BIOLOGY & BIOCHEMISTRY
Keywords: MicroRNAs; miR-139-5p; colorectal cancer; CRC; metastasis

Abstract:  MicroRNAs (miRNAs) that exert function by posttranscriptional suppression have recently brought insight in our understanding of the role of non-protein-coding RNAs in carcinogenesis and metastasis. In this study, we described the function and molecular mechanism of miR-139-5p in colorectal cancer (CRC) and its potential clinical application in CRC. We found that miR-139-5p was significantly downregulated in 73.8% CRC samples compared with adjacent noncancerous tissues (NCTs), and decreased miR-139-5p was associated with poor prognosis. Functional analyses demonstrated that ectopic expression of miR-139-5p suppressed CRC cell migration and invasion in vitro and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistic investigations revealed that miR-139-5p suppress CRC cell invasion and metastasis by targeting AMFR and NOTCH1. Knockdown of the two genes phenocopied the inhibitory effect of miR-139-5p on CRC metastasis. Furthermore, the protein levels of the two genes were upregulated in CRC samples compared with NCTs, and inversely correlated with the miR-139-5p expression. Increased NOTCH1 protein expression was correlated with poor prognosis of CRC patients. Together, our data indicate that miR-139-5p is a potential tumor suppressor and prognostic factor for CRC, and targeting miR-139-5p may repress the metastasis of CRC and improve survival. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 There appear to be some image duplications and unexpected similarities in figure 2, perhaps with the contrast adjusted for the images boxed in red. ![file] , 
 #1 Thank you for pointing out the potential incorrect display of images in Fig 2 a-d(cell migration data). It seems that these images were accidently duplicated when we elaborated this figure for the paper. As the corresponding author of this paper, I appreciate the time you have taken in notifying us the mistake, and do agree with you in that there is a clear mistake in Fig. 2a-d. I apologize for the mistakes in the name of all the authors of this paper. Although the first author performing the mentioned migration assay left my lab five years ago, I checked the archived original experiment notebook of her immediately after receiving your notice, which clearly showed that the migration-inhibitory effects of miR-139-5p on CRC cells. After checking these records, I found that the some original images of this figure were different, suggesting something wrong with it. I have contacted the first author for further information. Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, it will take a bit longer time for us to conclude our investigation. I hope this reply does satisfy your inquiry and resolve your concerns. Of course, if you need any related original record for further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact me (2926589724@qq.com, which was applied for this issue), and I will scan and send the related original data to you. We deeply apologize again for causing the confusion and inconvenience, and will contact the publisher to make appropriate corrections as soon as possible. Thanks again for taking the time to notify us of our mistake and for improving science in our community. , 
 We have contacted the journal and provided all related orignial data. After evaluating these records , the journal publisher (Springer Nature) has accepted our application, and will arrange an erratum ASAP. Thanks again for your time on this issue! Zhaohui , 
 #3 I thank the authors for their reply. Could you please share the contact information for the person you corresponded with at the journal? , 
 #4 Thanks for your concern. Now, the erratum was onlined ( https: link.springer.com article 10.1007 s13238-021-00826-x). You can contact the editor office of the journal or me (my emailuff1a2926589724@qq.comuff09 for the detailed original data. , 
 #5 Thank you for the update. Could you please provide your specific contact at the journal? Here is a working link (above includes an errant parentheses): https: link.springer.com article 10.1007 s13238-021-00826-x ,