Silencing lncRNA TUG1 Alleviates LPS-Induced Mouse Hepatocyte Inflammation by Targeting miR-140/TNF
Authors: Qing-Min Liu
Ping Tian
Li-Li Liu
Hao Xu
Li-Kun Wang
Zeng-Lian Li
Xi-Dong Li
Journal: Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology (2021)
Discipline: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY & GENETICS
Keywords: LPS; TNF; hepatitis; lncRNA TUG1; miR-140.
Affiliations: Intensive Care Unit, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China., Department of Pathology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China., Department of Infection Control Center, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China.

Abstract:  Hepatitis is a major public health problem that increases the risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Numerous studies have revealed that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) exert essential function in the inflammatory response of multiple organs. Herein, we aimed to explore the effect of lncRNA TUG1 in LPS-induced hepatocyte inflammation response and further illuminate the underlying mechanisms. Mice were intraperitoneally injected with LPS, and the liver inflammation was evaluated. Microarray showed that lncRNA TUG1 was upregulated in LPS-induced hepatocyte inflammation. qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence assay indicated a significant increase of TUG1 in mice with LPS injection. Functional analysis showed that si-TUG1 inhibited LPS-induced inflammation response in mice liver, inhibited apoptosis level, and protected liver function. Then, we knock down TUG1 in normal human hepatocyte AML12. Consistent with in vivo results, si-TUG1 removed the injury of LPS on AML12 cells. Furthermore, TUG1 acted as a sponge of miR-140, and miR-140 directly targeted TNFα (TNF). MiR-140 or si-TNF remitted the beneficial effects of TUG1 on LPS-induced hepatocyte inflammation response both in vitro and in vivo. Our data revealed that deletion of TUG1 protected against LPS-induced hepatocyte inflammation via regulating miR-140/TNF, which might provide new insight for hepatitis treatment. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 Fig 3E.  Western blot for TNFu03b1 and IL-6 expression . ![file] Could the authors comment on the identical background appearing in two of these bands? , 
 UPDATED to include Fig 3D, with more background overlaps. ![file] , 
 Quote from Frontiers: * Our artificial intelligence review assistant (AIRA) is trained to detect specific types of recycling, modifications and manipulation. Any concerns raised over undeclared image modifications will be investigated and the authors will be asked to provide the original images and data. Failure by authors to adequately address such concerns will result in rejection of the manuscript, and the issue may be raised with the authorsu2019 institutions. * https: www.frontiersin.org about policies-and-publication-ethics Obviously this AIRA stuff doesn t work that well... , 
 #3  trained to detect **specific** types of recycling, modifications and manipulation . Not really much help if the specific types of shenanigans don t include the ones that occur in practice. , 
 The panels in this figure have repeated dots and spots. I have pointed out some of the more obvious examples, but there are many more. It appears the  bands (kazoos?) were pasted onto a background. This sort of shenanigans is found in other figures as pointed out by Hoya camphorifolia. ![file] ,