Long non-coding RNA LINC00968 reduces cell proliferation and migration and angiogenesis in breast cancer through up-regulation of PROX1 by reducing hsa-miR-423-5p
Authors: Shengze Zhang
Zhenzhen Liu
Xianfu Sun
Qiang Zhang
Yingjie Wang
Tao Huang
Chengjuan Zhang
Journal: Cell Cycle (2019)
Discipline: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY & GENETICS
Keywords: LINC00968; MicroRNA-423-5p; angiogenesis; breast cancer; migration
Affiliations: a Department of Breast Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University , Zhengzhou , P.R. China., b Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University , Zhengzhou , P.R. China.

Abstract:  Background: Breast cancer (BC) is a common invasive malignancy in women with unclear etiology. A recent study suggested that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), LINC00968 had a tumor-promoting effect in cancer. However, the role of LINC00968 in BC remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted the present study to determine the effect of LINC00968 in BC and its underlying mechanism. Methods: The expression of LINC00968 and hsa-miR-423-5p in BC tissues and cells was determined using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Dual luciferase reporter, RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were used to determine the relationship among LINC00968, PROX1 and hsa-miR-423-5p. Gain- and loss-function approaches were utilized to examine the effects of LINC00968, PROX1 and hsa-miR-423-5p on cell proliferation, migration, tube formation in vitro; and tumor growth and angiogenesis in vivo. Results: LINC00968 expression reduced while hsa-miR-423-5p increased in BC tissues relative to adjacent normal tissues. Overexpression of LINC00968 was observed to inhibit BC cell proliferation, migration and tube formation abilities in vitro as well as tumor growth in vivo through inhibition of hsa-miR-423-5p. And hsa-miR-423-5p mediated BC cellular functions and tumor growth through down-regulating PROX1. LINC00968 was identified as a competing endogenous RNA to upregulate PROX1 by downregulating hsa-miR-423-5p. More importantly, it was found that LINC00968 increased PROX1 expression in vivo in a concentration-dependent manner. Conclusion: Taken together, this study suggests that LINC00968 inhibits the progression of BC through impeding hsa-miR-423-5p-mediated PROX1 inhibition. LINC00968 may be a potential therapeutic target for BC therapy that warrants further studies. 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 Microscopy data has been duplicated and presented as something else in this paper (Figure 2e, middle picture vs Figure 6j, no 3 from left). ![file] , 
 Figs 6e; 7b e. These are curious, stylised Western Blots. Is it possible for the authors to upload the original scans of the gels? ![file] Numerous other papers have Figures which display the same qualities, hence my curiosity. I compiled a montage: ![] , 
 Retracted [15 July 2022] . ------------------------ We, the Editors and Publisher of the journal *Cell Cycle*, have retracted the following article: Xianfu Sun, Tao Huang, Chengjuan Zhang, Shengze Zhang, Yingjie Wang, Qiang Zhang, and Zhenzhen Liu. Long non-coding RNA LINC00968 reduces cell proliferation and migration and angiogenesis in breast cancer through up-regulation of PROX1 by reducing has-miR-423-5p. Cell Cycle. 2019;18(16):1908-1924. doi: 10.1080 15384101.2019.1632641 Since publication, concerns have been raised about the integrity of the data in the article. When approached for an explanation, the authors checked their data and confirmed there are fundamental errors present. Therefore, they have agreed to the retraction of this article. The authors apologise for this oversight. We have been informed in our decision-making by our policy on publishing ethics and integrity and the COPE guidelines on retractions. The retracted article will remain online to maintain the scholarly record, but it will be digitally watermarked on each page as u2018Retractedu2019. ,