MUC1 gene silencing inhibits proliferation, invasion, and migration while promoting apoptosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Zu-Qiang Bo
Ai-Min Zhang
Jin Zhang
Xiao-Fang Huang
Xiao-Hui Chi
Journal: Bioscience reports (2019)
Discipline: MOLECULAR BIOLOGY & GENETICS
Keywords: Apoptosis; Invasion; MUC1 gene silencing; Migration; Oral squamous cell carcinoma
Affiliations: Department of Stomatology, Dongying City People's Hospital, Dongying 257091, P.R. China., Department of Stomatology, Dongying City People's Hospital, Dongying 257091, P.R. China .

Abstract:  The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of RNA interference in the inhibition of MUC1 gene expression in occurrence and metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its in-depth mechanisms. The OSCC and normal oral mucosa tissues, as well as normal oral epithelial cell line HOK and OSCC cell line SCC-4, Cal-27, TSCCA, Tca8113 were obtained to detect the expression of MUC1. Slug expression in OSCC and normal oral mucosa tissues was also determined. The OSCC cells were grouped to investigate the role of MUC1 gene silencing on proliferation, DNA replication, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis, colony formation ability, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, and migration of OSCC cells. We first found higher positive rate of MUC1 and Slug expression in OSCC tissues. Next, it was determined that higher expression of MUC1 was found in OSCC tissues and cells. Furthermore, silencing of MUC1 declined Slug expression, inhibited the proliferation, DNA replication, cell cycle progression, and EMT while inducing apoptosis of OSCC cells. Our study suggests that overexpression of MUC1 is found in OSCC, and MUC1 gene silencing could inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and migration while inducing apoptosis of OSCC cells. 

Retracted: No

PubPeer comments:
 I have several concerns about how data in this paper is presented. Figure 6B, the indicated areas of these scratch assays appear to be identical: ![file] , 
 There also appears to be areas of high similarity in these immunofluorescence images, visible after reflecting and rotating the image. ![file] , 
 Here s where things get weird. I d love another opinion on the appearance of these images. In my opinion, there are multiple features that are extremely similar and repetitive, shared both within and between images. Again only apparent after reflecting a rotating the images. ![file] , 
 Finally, there are areas in these images that are, in my opinion, extremely similar and repetitive. I would suggest that there is some evidence that some areas of 3 of these images may be composites. Figure 6A: ![file] , 
 #1 ![file] , 
 #4 This is what I see going on there, after inverting the siRNA-NC panel to superimpose it on the con-siRNA panel and see what cancels out after a 180-deg rotation: ![file] That is, the left-hand thirds of siRNA-NC and con-siRNA match (apart from the rotation). The centre third of siRNA-NC matches the right-hand third of con-siRNA, and vice versa. Apart from some shifted pores. Which is pretty much what you said. , 
 https: doi.org 10.1042 BSR-20182193_EOC u201cThe Editorial Office has been made aware of potential issues surrounding the scientific validity of this paper, hence has issued an expression of concern to notify readers whilst the Editorial Office investigates.u201d , 
 https: doi.org 10.1042 BSR-20182193_RET Retracted: This Retraction follows an Expression of Concern relating to this article previously published by Portland Press. This article is being retracted from Bioscience Reports at the request of the Editor in Chief and the Editorial Board following receipt of a notification from two readers, alerting the Editorial Board to duplication in Figure 3D, repeated features in Figure 3E, duplications and repeated features in Figures 6A, and duplications in Figure 6B. The authors were contacted regarding the concerns raised and have not responded. Given the concerns with the Figures, the Editorial Board stands by the decision to retract. ,