Human gene function publications that describe wrongly identified nucleotide sequence reagents are unacceptably frequent within the genetics literature

• DOI: 10.1101/2021.07.29.453321
• Publication Date: 2021-08-01T04:10:12Z
• Authors: Yasunori Park; Rachael A West; Pranujan Pathmendra; Bertrand Favier; Thomas Stoeger; Amanda Capes-Davis; Guillaume Cabanac; Cyril Labbé; Jennifer A Byrne
• Keywords: Sequence (biology); Coding region

Abstract Nucleotide sequence reagents underpin a range of molecular genetics techniques that have been applied across hundreds thousands research publications. We previously reported wrongly identified nucleotide in human gene function publications and described semi-automated screening tool Seek & Blastn to fact-check the targeting or non-targeting status reagents. screen 11,799 5 literature corpora, which included all original Gene from 2007-2018 open-access Oncology Reports 2014-2018. After manually checking outputs for over 3,400 papers, we 712 papers 78 journals at least one sequence. Verifying claimed identities 13,700 sequences highlighted 1,535 sequences, most were analysis 365 protein-coding genes 120 non-coding RNAs, respectively. The problematic received 17,000 citations, include citations by clinical trials. Given our estimate approximately quarter are likely misinform distract future development therapies against disease, urgent measures required address problem unreliable within literature. Author summary This is first study screened errors scale describe. unacceptably high rates with incorrect discovered represent major challenge fields aim translate genomics investments patients, commonly rely upon reliable descriptions function. Indeed, double concern, as both themselves their associated results can mislead research, terms directions chosen experiments undertaken. hope will inspire researchers seek out other unfortunately concerned tip much larger encourage more rigorous reporting peer review results, propose series responses publishing communities.