Retraction: Impaired Insulin Signaling Affects Renal Organic Anion Transporter 3 (Oat3) Function in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Concerns were raised about similarities between the following figure panels in this PLOS ONE article [1] and some of the same authors’ prior publication in the American Journal of the Medical Sciences [2]:

• Figure 2A [1], β-actin blot lanes 2, 3, and Figure 4C [2], β-actin blot lanes 1, 2.

• Figure 2A [1], Oat3 blot lanes 1, 2 and Figure 6C [2], phospho-PKCα blot lanes 2, 3.

Furthermore, the Figure 2C β-actin blot lanes 3, 2 in the PLOS ONE article appear to overlap with the Figure 2A β-actin blot lanes 2, 3 following 180-degree rotation. We also noted potential image irregularities in Figure 2A [1], Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase blot lane 1.

The corresponding author noted that the image panels for which concerns were raised present images from independent experiments; the original underlying blots are not available. Given specific image details in the above figures and the unavailability of the supporting primary data, the PLOS ONE Editors remain concerned about the noted similarities.

In addition, the first three subsections of the Results in [1] show significant overlap with experiments and results previously reported in [2]. While the American Journal of the Medical Sciences article was discussed in the Introduction and Discussion of the PLOS ONE article and cited in the Methods, this overlap was not acknowledged in the Results.

In light of the image concerns, data unavailability, and partial redundancy with previously published work, the PLOS ONE Editors retract this article.

AL agreed with the retraction. PA, AP, CS, LC, VC did not respond.