Nankai University has taken disciplinary action against three researchers following an investigation into questionable data in a paper published in a prominent scientific journal, with one researcher's employment contract with the university terminated and a dean dismissed from administrative duties, according to a statement from the university on Saturday.

The paper in question, titled "Targeted activation of ferroptosis in colorectal cancer via LGR4 targeting overcomes acquired drug resistance", was published in Nature Cancer in April 2024.

According to the statement, an investigative panel concluded that the authors of the paper committed academic misconduct, and the university has taken disciplinary action in accordance with relevant regulations.