Following the publication of this article [1], concerns were raised with results presented in Fig 6. Specifically,
- Fig 6A β-actin lanes 2-4 appear similar to Fig 6D β-actin lanes 3-5.
- β-actin lanes 1–4 in Fig 6H in [1] appear similar to PARP lanes 2–5 in Fig 4A in [2].
In response to the above concerns, the corresponding author stated that the wrong images were used. They provided an updated version of Fig 6 using data from later repeat experiments (S1 File) and what is stated to be original image files underlying the blots in the updated Fig 6 (S2 File).
In the absence of original uncropped and unadjusted image files captured at the time of the original experiments for all panels in the updated Fig 6, and individual-level quantitative data from which all graphs in the updated Fig 6 were generated, the above concerns remain unresolved and the PLOS One Editors issue this Expression of Concern.
Supporting information
S1 File. An updated version of Fig 6 with data from later repeat experiments.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0343458.s001
(TIF)
S2 File. Cropped blots in support of the updated Fig 6 in S1 File.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0343458.s002
(ZIP)
References
- 1. Huang C, Luo Y, Zhao J, Yang F, Zhao H, Fan W, et al. Shikonin Kills Glioma Cells through Necroptosis Mediated by RIP-1. PLoS One. 2013;8(6):e66326. pmid:23840441
- 2. Ge P, Ji X, Ding Y, Wang X, Fu S, Meng F, et al. Celastrol causes apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in rat glioma cells. Neurol Res. 2010;32(1):94–100. pmid:19909582
Citation: The PLOS One Editors (2026) Expression of Concern: Shikonin Kills Glioma Cells through Necroptosis Mediated by RIP-1. PLoS One 21(2): e0343458. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0343458
Published: February 23, 2026
Copyright: © 2026 The PLOS One Editors. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.