A broken DNA strand symbolizes errors in cancer research.

When Good Cells Go Bad: The mRNA Mix-Up Threatening Cancer Research

Reese Marlowe in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"A published study on colon cancer cells faces scrutiny due to a misleading genetic sequence, highlighting the need for vigilance in research practices."

In the fast-moving world of cancer research, accuracy is everything. A recent study published in OncoTargets and Therapy investigating the behavior of immature colon carcinoma cells has come under scrutiny, leading to an official 'Expression of Concern'. This highlights a critical issue: the potential for errors in fundamental research components to undermine entire studies and mislead future investigations.

The problem stems from a seemingly small but significant detail: a genetic sequence used as a control in the experiment. Control sequences are vital for comparison, acting as a baseline to determine the effects of the experimental treatment. In this case, the control sequence, intended to be neutral, was found to be unexpectedly similar to a sequence that actively targets a specific gene (TPD52L2) in cancer cells.

This discovery throws a wrench into the study's conclusions. If the control sequence wasn't truly neutral, it could have inadvertently influenced the results, making it difficult to determine whether the observed effects were due to the intended treatment or the flawed control. The journal editors, along with the publisher, Dove Medical Press, felt it necessary to alert the scientific community to these concerns.

The Case of the Misleading Sequence: TPD52L2

A broken DNA strand symbolizes errors in cancer research.

The heart of the issue lies in a sequence called TPD52L2. This particular sequence is a known target in cancer research, meaning it can be used to influence the behavior of cancer cells. The study in question used a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) sequence intended as a control – a sequence that shouldn't have any effect on the cells. However, it was discovered that this 'control' sequence shared a significant similarity to the TPD52L2-targeting shRNA.

The implications of this similarity are substantial. If the control sequence was inadvertently affecting the TPD52L2 gene, it could have skewed the results of the experiment. The researchers might have attributed changes in the cancer cells to their primary treatment when, in reality, the 'control' sequence was also playing a role.

Compromised Baseline: A compromised control group makes it difficult to accurately assess the impact of the experimental treatment.
Misinterpretation of Results: Observed changes in cancer cell behavior could be wrongly attributed.
Replication Issues: Other researchers attempting to build upon this work may encounter inconsistent or contradictory findings.

Dove Medical Press, the publisher of OncoTargets and Therapy, attempted to contact the original study authors to address these concerns. Unfortunately, they received no response. Faced with this lack of communication and the potential for misleading results, the journal editors made the decision to issue an official Expression of Concern.

Ensuring Accuracy in Cancer Research: A Path Forward

The case of the TPD52L2 sequence serves as a stark reminder of the importance of meticulousness and transparency in scientific research. While errors can happen, the key lies in identifying and addressing them swiftly to minimize potential harm.

This incident underscores the vital role of journal editors and publishers in upholding research integrity. By issuing an Expression of Concern, OncoTargets and Therapy has taken a proactive step to alert the scientific community and prevent the spread of potentially flawed information. This action aligns with the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), emphasizing the importance of ethical conduct in research publishing.

For researchers, this situation highlights the need for rigorous validation of research materials, including control sequences. It also emphasizes the importance of open communication and collaboration within the scientific community. Sharing data and addressing concerns promptly can help prevent errors from propagating and ensure that research efforts are built on a solid foundation. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that cancer research continues to advance on a reliable and trustworthy path, leading to more effective treatments and improved patient outcomes.

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This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.2147/ott.s192186, Alternate LINK

Title: Knockdown Of Immature Colon Carcinoma Transcript-I Inhibits Proliferation Of Glioblastoma Multiforme Cells Through Gap 2/Mitotic Phase Arrest [Expression Of Concern]

Subject: Pharmacology (medical)

Journal: OncoTargets and Therapy

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Rong Xie, Yichao Zhang, Chao Shen, Xiaoyun Cao, Shixin Gu, Xiaoming Che

Published: 2018-10-01

Everything You Need To Know

Why was an 'Expression of Concern' issued about the study on colon cancer cells?

The 'Expression of Concern' was issued due to a critical error in the genetic sequences used in a study on colon cancer cells. This signals that the study's findings may be unreliable. An 'Expression of Concern' is a formal notice issued by a journal to alert the scientific community about potential issues with a published study, such as errors in data, methodology, or interpretation. The presence of a flawed sequence in the experiment's control group undermined the reliability of the results. This has wide implications as it calls the accuracy of the conclusions into question, and casts doubts on the validity of any conclusions drawn from them.

What is a control sequence, and why is it important in this context?

A 'control sequence' is a genetic sequence used as a baseline for comparison in an experiment. In this case, the control sequence was intended to be neutral, meaning it shouldn't have any effect on the cancer cells being studied. However, the control sequence used in the study was found to be unexpectedly similar to a sequence that actively targets the TPD52L2 gene in cancer cells. In cancer research, control sequences are essential for isolating the effects of an experimental treatment. If the control is compromised, it's impossible to accurately determine whether observed changes in cancer cells are due to the intended treatment or the faulty control.

What is the significance of the TPD52L2 sequence in this scenario?

TPD52L2 is a specific gene sequence known to be involved in cancer. In this context, the control sequence used in the study was found to share similarities with the TPD52L2 sequence, which is a target in cancer research because it can influence the behavior of cancer cells. The unexpected similarity between the control and the TPD52L2-targeting sequence is the heart of the problem, as it suggests that the control might have inadvertently affected the experiment's results. The implications are substantial. If the 'control' sequence was inadvertently affecting the TPD52L2 gene, it could have skewed the results of the experiment, leading to misinterpretations. The researchers might have attributed changes in the cancer cells to their primary treatment when, in reality, the 'control' sequence was also playing a role.

What does an 'Expression of Concern' actually mean?

The 'Expression of Concern' means there are significant doubts about the study's findings. It indicates that the published results may be unreliable and that further investigation is needed. The journal editors and publisher, Dove Medical Press, issued this official statement after discovering the issue with the control sequence and being unable to get a response from the original study authors. The implications of this are wide-ranging. It alerts other researchers that the published results should be treated with caution. It protects the integrity of scientific research by ensuring that the scientific community is aware of potential issues. It helps to prevent the spread of inaccurate information, and it underscores the need for meticulousness and transparency in scientific research.

What are the implications of a misleading genetic sequence in scientific research?

The consequences of a misleading sequence are far-reaching. The compromised control group makes it difficult to accurately assess the impact of the experimental treatment. Observed changes in cancer cell behavior could be wrongly attributed. Other researchers attempting to build upon this work may encounter inconsistent or contradictory findings, leading to wasted resources and potential delays in scientific progress. Ensuring accuracy in research is paramount because it supports the development of reliable scientific knowledge, enables other researchers to build upon existing knowledge, and helps to avoid the spread of false information.