Frontiers Retracts Bone Research Study Following Raw Data Image Integrity Audit

The scientific journal Frontiers in Pharmacology has formally retracted a study examining rubidium chloride and bone cellular processes following an in-depth investigation into extensive image integrity problems. The retracted work, authored by Z. Ouyang, Q. Huang, B. Liu, H. Wu, T. Liu, and Y. Liu, had evaluated whether rubidium chloride targets Jnk and p38-mediated NF-κB activation to attenuate osteoclastogenesis while facilitating osteoblastogenesis. Initially published in volume sixteen under the journal’s Translational Pharmacology section and subsequently subject to a formal correction, the paper has now been withdrawn from the scientific literature after editorial authorities determined that its underlying data and primary conclusions can no longer be considered reliable.

The editorial intervention originated after post-publication concerns were brought forward regarding the authenticity and composition of figures included in the research paper. Initial scrutiny centered specifically on Figure 1C and Figure 1D of the publication. Simultaneously, Figure 1D was flagged for image duplication concerns within the study itself. Although the authors subsequently submitted corrected visual materials to address these specific figure irregularities, the initial findings prompted a much broader inquiry into the overall reliability of the research.

Rather than accepting the author-submitted corrections as a final resolution, the Research Integrity Auditing team at Frontiers initiated a comprehensive investigation into the underlying raw data supporting the publication. This institutional audit revealed that the anomalies were not restricted to the two previously identified panels. Instead, forensic examination of the raw experimental datasets uncovered additional image integrity concerns spanning multiple other figures across the study.

Throughout the formal review process, however, the researchers failed to produce a satisfactory explanation or account for the integrity issues discovered during the audit.

Following the completion of the investigation, the editorial leadership took decisive action to retract the publication. The retraction notice confirms that the journal’s official decision received formal approval from both the Chief Editor of Frontiers in Pharmacology and the Chief Executive Editor of Frontiers Media SA. In the official notice, the journal documented that the authors do not agree with the retraction decision. Despite the authors’ dissent, the editorial administration determined that the unreliability of the published data and scientific conclusions necessitated a full formal withdrawal from the permanent academic record.

Subject of Research: Retraction of a pharmacological study on rubidium chloride in bone cell regulation

Article Title: Retraction: Correction: Rubidium chloride targets Jnk/p38-mediated NF-κB activation to attenuate osteoclastogenesis and facilitate osteoblastogenesis

Article References: Frontiers Editorial Office (2026). Retraction: Correction: Rubidium chloride targets Jnk/p38-mediated NF-κB activation to attenuate osteoclastogenesis and facilitate osteoblastogenesis. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 17, Article 2052162. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2026.2052162

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2026.2052162

Keywords: Frontiers in Pharmacology, retraction, rubidium chloride, osteoclastogenesis, osteoblastogenesis, NF-κB activation, Jnk/p38, research integrity, image duplication, image reuse, raw data audit, Research Integrity Auditing, Elisabeth Bik, Translational Pharmacology, scientific publishing, Frontiers Media SA, academic correction