MicroRNA-30a-5p suppresses proliferation, invasion and tumor growth of hepatocellular cancer cells via targeting FOXA1
Authors: Qi Zhang
Shuliang Zhang
Qin Liu
Ling Liu
Journal: Oncology Letters (2017)
Discipline: CLINICAL MEDICINE
Keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma; invasion; microRNA; proliferation; tumor growth.
Affiliations: Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Linzi District People's Hospital, Zibo, Shandong 255400, P.R. China., Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China.

Abstract:  Deregulation of microRNAs (miRs) has been observed in a variety of types of human cancer. Previously, miR-30a-5p has been demonstrated to exhibit a suppressive role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying mechanism remains largely unclear. The present study aimed to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of miR-30a-5p in proliferation and invasion of HCC cells. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase and western blotting were used to examine mRNA and protein expression of Forkhead box A1 (FOXA1). MTT and Transwell assays were performed to examine proliferation and invasion. Luciferase reporter assay was used to determine the association between miR-30a-5p and FOXA1. The data indicated that miR-30a-5p was significantly downregulated in HCC tissues compared with normal liver tissues. Furthermore, the level of miR-30a-5p was lower in HCC tissues with higher histological grade and advanced tumor stage compared with tissues with lower histological grade and tumor stage. Additionally, restoration of miR-30a-5p expression decreased the proliferation and invasion of HCC HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells. FOXA1, a novel oncogene in HCC, was further identified as a target of miR-30a-5p. Furthermore, high expression of miR-30a-5p suppressed mRNA and protein expression of FOXA1, while overexpression of FOXA1 reversed the suppressive effect of miR-30a-5p on proliferation and invasion of HepG2 and SMMC-7721 cells. FOXA1 was markedly upregulated in HCC tissues compared with normal liver tissues, and its level was higher in HCC tissues with higher histological grade and advanced tumor stage. In addition, it was found that overexpression of miR-30a-5p significantly suppressed the tumor growth of HCC cells in nude mice. Taken together, the present study supports that miR-30a-5p inhibits the proliferation, invasion, and tumor growth of HCC cells, partly at least, by inhibition of FOXA1 expression, and therefore suggests that miR-30a-5p may serve as a potential candidate for HCC therapy. 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 Figs 2E F, 4E F. ![file] I set up a spreadsheet to include the various papers using this versatile suite of Transwell images to represent all possible combinations of cell-lines and treatments. This is the 27th manifestation. For comparison: Fig 3 C D from [Zhang et al (2016)] .  Transwell assay were performed to examine the migratory and invasive capacities of Saos-2 and U2OS cells transfected with miR-205 mimic or miR-negative control (NC) mimic , and Fig 7C D,  Transwell assay were performed to examine cell migration and invasion of MG63 or U2OS cells transfected with miR-205 mimic, or co-transfected with miR-205 mimic and RUNX2 plasmid . ![] Figs 4D, 6D from [Xia et al (2016)] . ![] , 
 Thank you very much for the problem you found. We are tracing the original data or repeating the experiment in order to find the cause. We will correct it according to the problems as soon as possible. We will let you know the result in time. , 
 #2 Thank you. It will be interesting if your investigation uncovers the original source of these images. , 
 Dear Professor, because it was an experiment several years ago, its original data can t be found. Because of the public experimental platform, we can not rule out the possibility of misuse of experimental pictures. At present, we have repeated the experiment and obtained similar data. In order to avoid misunderstanding, we are now applying to the magazine for correction or withdrawal. Thank you for your comments! , 
 Retracted [2 June 2021] . ------------------------------------------- Following the publication of this paper, it was drawn to the Editorsu2019 attention by a concerned reader that certain of the Transwell assay data shown in Fig. 2E and F and in Fig. 4E and F were strikingly similar to data appearing in different form in another article by different authors. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article were already under consideration for publication elsewhere prior to its submission to Oncology Letters, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. After having been in contact with the authors, they agreed with the decision to retract the paper. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. ----------------------------------------------- Background [here] . , 
 Am I alone in wondering how this  public experimental platform works, where one s results might end up in someone else s results years later... while conversely, one might end up writing one s paper around results that actually belong to other researchers, years earlier? Valid science seems to be impossible under those circumstances. ,