MicroRNA 495 Inhibits Proliferation and Metastasis and Promotes Apoptosis by Targeting Twist1 in Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Hong Qi
Wei-Zheng Mao
Min Jian
Chao Liu
Journal: Oncology research (2019)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: miR-495; gastric cancer; cell proliferation; metastasis; apoptosis
Affiliations: Qingdao University, Qingdao, P.R. China, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Qingdao Women and Children’s Hospital, Qingdao, P.R. China, Department of General Surgery, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, P.R. China

Abstract:  Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to participate in multiple biological processes. However, the effects of miR-495 on gastric cancer (GC) remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the functions of miR-495 in GC cell proliferation, metastasis, and apoptosis. SGC-7901 and BGC-823 cell lines were transfected with miR-495 mimic, miR-495 inhibitor, and negative controls (mimic control and inhibitor control). The expressions of miR-495, cell viability, migration, apoptosis, and apoptosis-related factors were examined by qRT-PCR, trypan blue staining, Transwell, flow cytometry, and Western blot, respectively. Simultaneously, key factor expression levels of EMT were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. The direct target of miR-495 was confirmed by dual-luciferase assay. Additionally, sh-Twist1, pc-Twist1, and corresponding controls were transfected into SGC-7901 and BGC-823 cells, and the protein levels of EMT-associated factors were detected by Western blot. miR-495 was downregulated in GC cells. miR-495 expression level was effectively overexpressed or suppressed in SGC-7901 and BGC-823 cells. Overexpression of miR-495 significantly decreased cell viability and migration, increased apoptosis, and inhibited the EMT process. Suppression of miR-495 showed contrary results. Twist1 was clarified as a target gene of miR-495, and Twist1 silencing obviously reduced the promoting effect of miR-495 suppression on these biological processes. Twist1 silencing significantly blocked the EMT process in both SGC-7901 and BGC-823 cells. miR-495 inhibited proliferation and metastasis and promoted apoptosis by targeting Twist1 in GC cells. These data indicated that miR-495 might be a novel antitumor factor of GC and provide a new method for the treatment of GC. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 This paper belongs to a set of over 400 papers (as per February 2020) that share very similar Western blots with tadpole-like shaped bands, the same background pattern, and striking similarities in title structures, paper layout, bar graph design, and - in a subset - flow cytometry panels. Despite these similarities, these papers are authored by researchers from different departments and institutes, with almost no overlap in authors. The list of these papers is available here: https: docs.google.com spreadsheets d 1KXqTAyl4j-jVorFPMD2XRpr76LcIKJ0CVyIvRj0exYQ edit?usp=sharing A more detailed description of this set of papers, suspected to all be generated by a common source, a paper mill , can be found here: * https: forbetterscience.com 2020 01 24 the-full-service-paper-mill-and-its-chinese-customers (January 2020) * https: scienceintegritydigest.com 2020 02 21 the-tadpole-paper-mill (February 2020) The same paper mill has been described in these papers: * Jana Christopher - Systematic fabrication of scientific images revealed - FEBS Letters (2018) - https: febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com doi full 10.1002 1873-3468.13201 * Jennifer A Byrne and Jana Christopher - Digital magic, or the dark arts of the 21st centuryu2014how can journals and peer reviewers detect manuscripts and publications from paper mills? - FEBS Letters (2020) - https: febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com doi full 10.1002 1873-3468.13747 , 
 The Qingdao Municipal Hospital announced the results of an investigation, on [29 September 2021](http: www.qdslyy.cn jkzx_view.aspx?id=98224). Thanks Google Translate for translation. ------------------------ In order to strengthen the construction of scientific research integrity, severely punish violations, and create a good environment for scientific and technological innovation, the relevant paper issues recently investigated and dealt with by this unit are hereby notified as follows. The paper  MicroRNA-495 Inhibits Proliferation and Metastasis and promotes Apoptosis by Targeting Twist1 in Gastric Cancer Cells published by Mao Weizheng from Qingdao Municipal Hospital as the corresponding author, and Liu Chao as the first author. After investigation, there are academics that have tampered with data and improperly signed. Misconduct. The relevant responsible persons shall be dealt with as follows: - 1. To the first author Liu Chao: talk about scientific research integrity and admonishment, the whole institute notified criticism; canceled his qualifications for applying for scientific research projects at all levels and scientific research awards within five years; canceled his qualifications for applying for various talent projects at all levels within five years; returned within 30 days Scientific research awards related to this article; within 30 days, contact the magazine to withdraw the papers involved. - 2. To the corresponding author, Mao Weizheng: cancel his qualifications for guiding various scientific research projects at all levels within one year; cancel his qualifications for applying for scientific research projects at all levels and scientific research awards within one year; cancel his qualifications for applying for talent projects at all levels and various types within one year. ,