Mol Med Rep 12: [Related article:] 1265-1271, 2015; DOI:
10.3892/mmr.2015.3493
Subsequently to the publication of the above
article, a concerned reader has drawn the Editor's attention to the
fact that they have identified a large number of major
inconsistencies involving the reported sequencing strategy,
mutation identities, experimental conditions, figure labeling and
statistical analysis in this paper, which collectively would serve
to undermine both the authenticity and the reproducibility of the
results contained therein. Among the most significant concerns was
the inconsistency between the genes reportedly screened and the
mutations reported: In the Materials and methods section, it was
stated that the authors screened the coding regions of 20 specified
cancer-associated genes, although Table II reported mutations in
ZMYM3, SORCS1, and ASAP3, none of which were included among those
20 genes. In addition, the paper reported an apparently impossible
PCR and sequencing strategy, together with implausible experimental
conditions for a number of the other experimental methods, the use
of an inappropriate reference database for nuclear genes,
inconsistent mutation identities and numbering, contradictory
interpretations of the data in Figs. 2 and 3, and incorrect
labeling and insufficient validation of the data in Fig. 4.
The authors have been contacted by the Editorial
Office to offer an explanation for these potential anomalies and
inconsistencies in the reporting of this study, and we are awaiting
their response. Owing to the fact that the Editorial Office has
been made aware of potential issues surrounding the scientific
integrity of this paper, we are issuing an Expression of Concern to
notify readers of these problems while the Editorial Office
continues to investigate this matter further.
