PLOS Genetics retracts paper on PU.1, microRNA-22, and leukaemia cell differentiation

PLOS Genetics has formally retracted the article 'The PU.1-Modulated MicroRNA-22 Is a Regulator of Monocyte/Macrophage Differentiation and Acute Myeloid Leukemia' (DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1012224). The retraction notice was issued by the PLOS Genetics Editors on 9 July 2026. No further explanatory detail was available in the feed lede at the time of processing; the full retraction notice is accessible via the journal's website.

The retracted paper had examined the role of the transcription factor PU.1 in modulating expression of microRNA-22 (miR-22) and the downstream consequences for monocyte and macrophage differentiation, as well as for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). MicroRNA-22 has been the subject of considerable research interest in haematological malignancies, and researchers working in this area should review primary citations to this paper and assess whether any conclusions in their own work were dependent on the now-retracted findings.

Researchers, oncologists, and educators covering haematological cancer genetics or non-coding RNA biology should note this retraction. The PLOS Genetics retraction record should be consulted directly for the editors' stated reasons.