Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• The article has been retracted due to figure overlaps that compromise the integrity of the research. • The retraction was issued by the Editors-in-Chief after an investigation found multiple instances of image duplication. • The authors did not respond to the publisher's correspondence regarding the retraction. • This retraction serves as a cautionary note about the importance of data integrity in stem cell research.
Abstract
The Editors-in-Chief have retracted this article because of concerns regarding the figures presented in this work. An investigation conducted after its publication discovered the following issues: The Control/CD73 panel in Fig. 1 appears to overlap with the Control/Oct4 in the same figure; Figure 5e appears to overlap with the EGF/α-SMA panel in Fig. 6a in [1]; The bottom portion of Fig. 5g appears to overlap with the top portion of the MSC-CM/α-SMA panel in Fig. 6a in [1]; The panels in question represent cells or tissues subject to different experimental conditions. The Editors-in-Chief therefore no longer have confidence in the integrity of the research presented in this article. The authors have not replied to correspondence from the Publisher about this retraction.
1. Introduction
This article has been retracted by the Editors-in-Chief of Stem Cell Research & Therapy. The retraction was prompted by concerns regarding the figures presented in the original publication. An investigation conducted after publication identified several instances of image overlap that suggest the panels may have been duplicated or manipulated, undermining the validity of the findings.
The specific issues include overlaps between the Control/CD73 and Control/Oct4 panels in Figure 1, as well as overlaps between Figure 5e and the EGF/α-SMA panel in Figure 6a of a related article, and between the bottom portion of Figure 5g and the top portion of the MSC-CM/α-SMA panel in the same figure. These overlaps involve cells or tissues under different experimental conditions, raising serious concerns about the reliability of the results.
The authors have not responded to correspondence from the publisher regarding this retraction. As a result, the Editors-in-Chief have lost confidence in the integrity of the research and have decided to retract the article. This retraction note serves to inform the scientific community and uphold the standards of academic publishing.
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Xiaoli Rong, Jiannan Li, Yanyan Yang, Liyan Shi, Tiechao Jiang (2026). Retraction Note: Human fetal skin-derived stem cell secretome enhances radiation-induced skin injury therapeutic effects by promoting angiogenesis. Stem Cell Research & Therapy. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-025-04713-8
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the article retracted?
The article was retracted due to concerns about figure overlaps that indicate potential image duplication or manipulation, compromising the integrity of the research.
What specific issues were found in the figures?
The investigation found overlaps between the Control/CD73 and Control/Oct4 panels in Figure 1, and between Figure 5e and the EGF/α-SMA panel in Figure 6a of a related article, as well as between the bottom of Figure 5g and the top of the MSC-CM/α-SMA panel in the same figure.
Did the authors respond to the retraction?
No, the authors did not reply to correspondence from the publisher about the retraction.
What is the original article's DOI?
The original article's DOI is 10.1186/s13287-019-1456-x.
What is the significance of this retraction?
This retraction highlights the importance of data integrity in scientific research and serves as a reminder for researchers to ensure the accuracy and originality of their figures.
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