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The epigenetic landscape of renal cancer

Mark R Morris1, Farida Latif2

  • 1Brain Tumour Research Centre, Wolverhampton School of Sciences, University of Wolverhampton, Wulfruna Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1LY, UK.

Nature Reviews. Nephrology
|November 29, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Renal cancer involves von Hippel-Lindau gene mutations and epigenetic changes like DNA methylation and microRNA dysregulation. Novel mutations in histone-modifying genes also disrupt cellular pathways in kidney cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Epigenetics

Background:

  • Most kidney cancers stem from von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene mutations.
  • Epigenetic alterations, including DNA methylation and microRNA dysregulation, are implicated in renal cancer development.
  • Recent advances have identified novel mutated genes involved in histone modification and chromatin remodeling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review key genetic and epigenetic alterations in renal cancer.
  • To discuss the role of novel mutated genes in histone modification.
  • To explain how these disruptions affect cellular pathways in kidney cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Review of scientific literature on renal cancer genetics and epigenetics.
  • Analysis of findings from next-generation sequencing studies.
  • Discussion of molecular mechanisms underlying renal cancer pathogenesis.

Main Results:

  • Identification of VHL gene mutations as a primary cause of kidney cancer.
  • Discovery of epigenetic silencing via promoter CpG island methylation and microRNA dysregulation.
  • Identification of novel mutated genes (PBRM1, BAP1, SETD2) affecting histone modification and chromatin remodeling.

Conclusions:

  • Altered DNA methylation patterns contribute to renal cancer.
  • MicroRNA dysregulation plays a significant role in kidney cancer progression.
  • Mutations in histone-modifying enzymes disrupt critical cellular pathways, driving renal cancer development.

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