Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Correction of erroneous images in Fig. 2D of the original study, ensuring accurate representation of Annexin V staining for hDPSCs and HGF-hDPSCs. • The anti-apoptotic effect of HGF gene transfection is consistently observed across multiple mesenchymal stem cell types, including hDPSCs, under stress conditions. • The correction does not alter the original study's conclusions, confirming the robustness of the findings. • Highlights the importance of rigorous image verification in scientific publications to maintain research integrity.
Abstract
The authors wish to note the following correction: The images in Fig. 2D of our paper, which were intended to show Annexin V staining for apoptosis of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) and HGF-transfected hDPSCs (HGF-hDPSCs) under hypoxic conditions or serum-free media, were incorrect. The original results demonstrated that more apoptotic cells were observed in the hDPSCs group compared to the HGF-hDPSCs group. However, we inadvertently used images of Annexin V staining for apoptosis in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) and HGF-transfected hBMSCs (HGF-hBMSCs). Upon reviewing the original experimental records, we discovered that the incorrect images were included during the manuscript preparation process due to insufficient verification. We have now provided the correct images for hDPSCs and HGF-hDPSCs in Fig. 2D (see attachment). We sincerely apologize for this oversight. This error occurred because our research group has been extensively engaged in studying the biological characteristics of HGF gene-transfected mesenchymal stem cells. Unfortunately, due to carelessness, we mistakenly selected the wrong images. Nevertheless, our research consistently demonstrates that the anti-apoptotic ability of mesenchymal stem cells (including rBMSCs, hBMSCs, and hDPSCs) is enhanced under hypoxic conditions or serum-free media following HGF gene transfection. The methodology and results remain consistent with our previous studies. After thoroughly reviewing all data and experimental records, we confirm that this correction does not affect the validity of the original study’s results or conclusions.
1. Introduction
This article is a correction notice for a previously published paper in Stem Cell Research & Therapy. The original study investigated the potential of adenovirus-mediated transfer of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) gene to human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) under good manufacturing practice (GMP) conditions for periodontal regeneration in a swine model. The correction addresses an error in the presentation of Figure 2D, which depicted Annexin V staining for apoptosis.
The authors identified that the images used in the original publication were inadvertently from experiments with human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) rather than hDPSCs. This mistake occurred during manuscript preparation due to insufficient verification. The corrected images now accurately show the apoptosis results for hDPSCs and HGF-transfected hDPSCs under hypoxic or serum-free conditions, confirming that HGF transfection enhances anti-apoptotic ability.
The correction ensures the integrity of the original findings, which demonstrated that HGF gene transfer improves the regenerative potential of dental pulp stem cells. The authors apologize for the oversight and emphasize that the overall conclusions of the study remain valid.
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Yu Cao, Zhenhai Liu, Yilin Xie, Jingchao Hu, Hua Wang, Zhipeng Fan, Chunmei Zhang, Jingsong Wang, Chu-Tse Wu, Songlin Wang (2026). Correction: Adenovirus-mediated transfer of hepatocyte growth factor gene to human dental pulp stem cells under good manufacturing practice improves their potential for periodontal regeneration in swine. Stem Cell Research & Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-025-04214-8
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Frequently Asked Questions
What was the error in the original paper?
The images in Figure 2D, intended to show Annexin V staining for apoptosis in human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) and HGF-transfected hDPSCs, were incorrectly replaced with images from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) and HGF-transfected hBMSCs.
Does this correction affect the conclusions of the original study?
No, the correction does not affect the validity of the original study's results or conclusions. The authors confirmed that the anti-apoptotic effect of HGF gene transfection is consistent across different mesenchymal stem cell types.
What are the corrected images showing?
The corrected images show Annexin V staining for apoptosis in hDPSCs and HGF-hDPSCs under hypoxic conditions or serum-free media, demonstrating that more apoptotic cells were present in the hDPSC group compared to the HGF-hDPSC group.
Why did the error occur?
The error occurred due to insufficient verification during manuscript preparation. The research group was extensively studying HGF gene-transfected mesenchymal stem cells, and due to carelessness, the wrong images were selected.
What is the significance of this correction for the scientific community?
This correction highlights the importance of rigorous data verification in scientific publications and ensures the accuracy of the reported findings, maintaining trust in the research.
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