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Updated: Feb 15, 2026
Modeling Spontaneous Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma mRCC in Mice Following Nephrectomy
Published on: April 29, 2014
miRNAs as potential regulators of mTOR pathway in renal cell carcinoma
Inês Nogueira1,2, Francisca Dias1,3, Ana Luísa Teixeira1
1Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, IPO-Porto Research Center (CI-IPOP), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal.
Abstract:
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most commonly occurring solid cancer of the adult kidney with the majority of RCC cases being detected accidentally. The most aggressive subtype is clear cell RCC (ccRCC). miRNAs, a family of small noncoding RNAs regulating gene expression have been identified as key biological modulators. The von Hippel-Lindau pathway is one of the signaling pathways involved in the pathophysiology of ccRCC. Another oncogenic mechanism involves the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and serves as a central regulator of cell metabolism, proliferation and survival. Several studies have described the involvement of miRNA dysregulation in the pathogenesis and progression of ccRCC. These molecules can be considered as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, allowing response to therapy to be monitored.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) development. Dysregulation of these small noncoding RNAs offers potential for diagnosing and monitoring ccRCC progression and therapy response.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common adult kidney cancer, often detected incidentally.
- Clear cell RCC (ccRCC) is the most aggressive subtype.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression and are implicated in various diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of miRNA dysregulation in the pathogenesis and progression of ccRCC.
- To investigate the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for ccRCC.
- To assess the utility of miRNAs in monitoring therapeutic responses in ccRCC patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on miRNA involvement in ccRCC.
- Analysis of signaling pathways implicated in ccRCC, including the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) pathway and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling.
- Identification of studies reporting miRNA dysregulation in ccRCC pathogenesis and progression.
Main Results:
- miRNA dysregulation is a significant factor in ccRCC pathogenesis and progression.
- Specific miRNAs are involved in key signaling pathways like VHL and PI3K/AKT/mTOR.
- Altered miRNA expression patterns correlate with ccRCC development and clinical outcomes.
Conclusions:
- miRNAs are crucial biological modulators in ccRCC.
- miRNAs hold promise as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for ccRCC.
- Monitoring miRNA levels could aid in evaluating treatment efficacy and patient prognosis in ccRCC.
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