Retraction to: Oncogene https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.onc.1207776, published online 21 June 2004

The Editors-in-Chief have retracted this article. After publication, concerns were raised regarding similarities of western blot bands in the presented images. Specifically:

  • In Fig. 2b, a number of ERK bands appear highly similar;

  • In Fig. 3c, the left and right NRP/B bands appear highly similar (with different exposure).

  • Also in Fig. 3c, the two left Actin bands appear highly similar (with different brightness).

  • In Fig. 4b, two pairs of Pro-caspase-3 bands appear highly similar.

Further checks by the Publisher identified a number of vertical straight line breaks in the western blot image backgrounds, indicating areas of potential splicing.

The authors have stated that the raw data are no longer available due to the age of the study, but noted that these concerns do not affect the conclusions of the article. However, due to the high number of issues with the images, the Editors-in-Chief no longer have confidence in the presented data.

None of the authors have responded to any further correspondence from the editor or publisher about this retraction note.