miR-424-5p Regulates Hepatoma Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis
Authors: Fei Wang
Qianwei Li
Yanyan Wang
Lianshu Piao
Zirong Yang
Qinggong Yu
Lifeng Cui
Journal: Cancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals (2019)
Discipline: PHARMACOLOGY & TOXICOLOGY
Keywords: YAP1; apoptosis; liver cancer; miR-424-5p; proliferation.
Affiliations: Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, China.

Abstract:  Objective: Yes-associated protein (Yes-associated protein 1 [YAP1]) is an important oncogene that is related to the pathogenesis and progression of liver cancer. It was found that miR-424-5p expression was significantly decreased in liver cancer tissues, revealing its anticancer effect. Bioinformatic analysis demonstrated the targeted relationship between miR-424-5p and the 3' untranslated region of YAP1. This study investigated the role of miR-424-5p in regulating YAP1 expression and affecting hepatoma cell proliferation and apoptosis. Materials and methods: Tumors and normal liver tissues adjacent to tumors were collected from patients to detect the expression of miR-424-5p and YAP1. A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was adopted to explore the targeted regulation between miR-424-5p and YAP1. Liver cancer HCCLM3 and MHCC97-L cells and normal liver HL-7702 cells were cultured in vitro to compare expression levels of miR-424-5p and YAP1. HCCLM3 and MHCC97-L cells were divided into the miR-NC group and miR-424-5p mimic group. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Cell proliferation was determined by EdU staining. Results: Compared with normal liver tissue, miR-424-5p expression was significantly decreased, while YAP1 mRNA and protein levels were obviously upregulated in liver cancer tissues, which were related to the clinical stage. A negative correlation was found between miR-424-5p and YAP1 mRNA levels in liver cancer tissues. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed the targeted relationship between miR-424-5p and YAP1. miR-424-5p expression in HCCLM3 and MHCC97-L cells decreased compared with L20 cells, which correlated with malignancy. YAP1 level in HCCLM3 and MHCC97-L cells was significantly enhanced, which correlated with malignancy. miR-424-5p mimic transfection significantly downregulated YAP1 expression in HCCLM3 and MHCC97-L cells, resulting in enhanced apoptosis and attenuated cell proliferation. Conclusions: Decreased miR-424-5p expression and increased YAP1 expression are found in patients with liver cancer. Increased miR-424-5p can inhibit YAP1 expression, attenuate hepatoma cell proliferation, and induce cell apoptosis. 

Retracted: Yes

PubPeer comments:
 A Gallery of Unfortunate FACS Plots. Please excuse the length. This is a random assortment from a certain oeuvre. Any other of ~40 papers from the same journal(s) could have been used instead. I have only marked a few of the recurring constellations of points. Colored plots darkened and contrast-enhanced for visibility. Fig 4C [Liu et al (2017)] PMID 28770966 Fig 2D, 3D [Wu et al (2017)] PMID 28617558 Fig 2D [Liang et al (2017)] PMID 29164556 ![file] Fig 3E [Li et al (2018)] 10.26355 eurrev_201809_15933 Fig 4D [Dong et al (2018)] 10.26355 eurrev_201805_15059 Fig 4D [Song et al (2018)] 10.26355 eurrev_201806_15153 ![file] Fig 2B, 4B, 5C [Wang et al (2018)] 10.26355 eurrev_201801_14201 Fig 3B, 4E [Su Song (2018)] 10.26355 eurrev_201810_16155 Fig 2D [Han et al (2018)] 10.26355 eurrev_201811_16390 ![file] Fig 4C [Wang Yu (2019)] 10.26355 eurrev_201903_17397 Fig 5D [Zhou et al (2019)] 10.26355 eurrev_201911_19436 Fig 4E [Liu Zhang (2019)] 10.1089 cbr.2018.2749 Fig 4D [Piao et al (2019)] 10.1089 cbr.2018.2625 ![file] , 
 Retracted [23 July 2021] . ------------------------------------- *Cancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals* officially retracts the paper entitled, u201cmiR-424-5p Regulates Hepatoma Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis,u201d by Lianshu Piao, Fei Wang, Yanyan Wang, Zirong Yang, Qianwei Li, Lifeng Cui, and Qinggong Yu (Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2019;34(3):196u2013202. doi: 10.1089 cbr.2018.2625) due to the discovery that the paper was purchased from a paper mill by the lead author, Lianshu Piao, and that the conducted experiments were not those of the team of authors: u201cI am very sorry to inform you that the paper was purchased. This paper was written and published by others. I did not do the experimental results myself, so I can t guarantee the authenticity of the experimental results. And [o]ther members of the paper did not know anything about it, including the corresponding author, Qinggong Yu. [sic]u201d The Editor and Publisher of *Cancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals* are committed to preserving the scientific literature and the community it serves and does not tolerate any violations of scientific misconduct. ,