Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Modeling Spontaneous Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (mRCC) in Mice Following Nephrectomy
11:27

Modeling Spontaneous Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma (mRCC) in Mice Following Nephrectomy

Published on: April 29, 2014

Kidney cancer: now available in a new flavor

William G Kaelin1

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA. william_kaelin@dfci.harvard.edu

Cancer Cell
|December 9, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) protein deficiency in kidney cancer impacts tumor development. The study reveals that VHL-deficient kidney cancers have distinct molecular profiles depending on HIF2alpha and HIF1alpha production.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor protein (pVHL) is crucial in kidney cancer pathogenesis.
  • pVHL dysfunction leads to the stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs).
  • HIF antagonists are being explored as a therapeutic strategy for kidney cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular differences in VHL-deficient kidney cancers.
  • To determine the influence of specific hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) subtypes on tumor characteristics.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of molecular signatures in VHL-deficient (VHL(-/-)) kidney cancer models.
  • Comparison of tumors producing both HIF2alpha and HIF1alpha versus those producing only HIF2alpha.

Main Results:

  • The molecular profile of VHL(-/-) kidney cancers is significantly altered based on HIF subtype expression.
  • Distinct molecular signatures emerge when both HIF2alpha and HIF1alpha are present compared to HIF2alpha alone.

Conclusions:

  • The specific HIF subtype composition dictates the molecular landscape of VHL-deficient kidney cancers.
  • Understanding these differences is critical for developing targeted therapies against kidney cancer.

More Related Videos

Microfluidic Co-culture of Renal Healthy and Tumor Epithelium to Model Kidney Cancer Progression06:29

Microfluidic Co-culture of Renal Healthy and Tumor Epithelium to Model Kidney Cancer Progression

Published on: January 31, 2025

A Syngeneic Mouse Model of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma for Quantitative and Longitudinal Assessment of Preclinical Therapies06:38

A Syngeneic Mouse Model of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma for Quantitative and Longitudinal Assessment of Preclinical Therapies

Published on: April 12, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Cancer02:18

Cancer

Cancers arise due to mutations in genes involved in the regulation of cell division, which leads to unrestricted cell proliferation. Modern science and medicine have made great strides in the understanding and treatment of cancer, including eradicating cancer in some patients. However, there is still no cure for cancer. This is largely due to the fact that cancer is a large group of many diseases.
Kidney Transplant I: Introduction01:28

Kidney Transplant I: Introduction

A kidney transplant is a surgical approach that involves replacing a non-functioning kidney with a healthy one from a donor. This procedure is often a treatment option for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The method requires careful recipient selection, including evaluating various medical and psychosocial factors. These criteria vary between transplant centers but generally include assessments of the patient's overall health, adherence to medical recommendations, and lifestyle...
Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction01:25

Chronic Kidney Disease I: Introduction

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) arises when the kidneys progressively lose their ability to function, ultimately leading to end-stage renal disease. At this advanced stage, the kidneys can no longer filter waste or maintain essential body functions, requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) through dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.Early-stage chronic kidney disease and detection challengesIn CKD's early stages, symptoms often remain absent because healthy nephrons compensate for...
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
Blood and Nerve Supply to the Kidney01:18

Blood and Nerve Supply to the Kidney

The kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering and cleaning blood, removing waste products, and regulating electrolyte levels. To perform these essential functions, they require a constant and robust blood supply.
Bloody Supply to the Kidneys:
The kidneys receive their blood supply from the renal arteries, which branch off from the abdominal aorta—the main artery supplying the abdomen and lower body. The renal arteries enter the kidneys at the hilum, a notch on the medial side of each...
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...