Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 24, 2026
Microfluidic Co-culture of Renal Healthy and Tumor Epithelium to Model Kidney Cancer Progression
Published on: January 31, 2025
The Metabolic Basis of Kidney Cancer
W Marston Linehan1, Laura S Schmidt2,3, Daniel R Crooks2
1Urologic Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland. WML@nih.gov.
Abstract:
Kidney cancer is not a single disease but represents several distinct types of cancer that have defining histologies and genetic alterations and that follow different clinical courses and have different responses to therapy. Mutation of genes associated with kidney cancer, such as VHL, FLCN, TFE3, FH, or SDHB, dysregulates the tumor's responses to changes in oxygen, iron, nutrient, or energy levels. The identification of these varying genetic bases of kidney cancer has increased our understanding of the biology of this cancer, allowing the development of targeted therapies and the appreciation that it is a cancer driven by metabolic alterations. SIGNIFICANCE: Kidney cancer is a complex disease composed of different types of cancer that present with different histologies, clinical courses, genetic changes, and responses to therapy. This review describes the known genetic changes within kidney cancer, how they alter tumor metabolism, and how these metabolic changes can be therapeutically targeted.
Insights
Kidney cancer comprises diverse types with unique genetic changes affecting tumor metabolism. Understanding these alterations aids in developing targeted therapies for metabolic-driven cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Metabolism
Background:
- Kidney cancer is a heterogeneous disease with distinct subtypes.
- Specific gene mutations (e.g., VHL, FLCN, TFE3, FH, SDHB) characterize different kidney cancers.
- These mutations impact cellular responses to metabolic cues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the genetic alterations in kidney cancer.
- To elucidate how these genetic changes affect tumor metabolism.
- To explore therapeutic strategies targeting metabolic alterations in kidney cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of genetic mutations in kidney cancer.
- Analysis of the functional consequences of these mutations on cellular metabolism.
- Synthesis of information on targeted therapies for metabolic reprogramming.
Main Results:
- Identified key genes (VHL, FLCN, TFE3, FH, SDHB) frequently mutated in kidney cancer.
- Demonstrated that these mutations disrupt metabolic pathways.
- Highlighted the role of metabolic alterations in kidney cancer progression.
Conclusions:
- Kidney cancer's complexity stems from diverse genetic underpinnings.
- Targeted therapies informed by metabolic alterations offer promising treatment avenues.
- Further research into cancer metabolism is crucial for advancing kidney cancer treatment.
Related Concept Videos
00:52What is Metabolism?
01:45Kidney Structure
01:36Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
01:25Metabolic Rate
The Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) measures the energy expended at rest.
Several factors influence...
01:40Overview of Metabolism
Plant Metabolism
Sunlight, the primary source of energy in plants, is first absorbed by the chlorophyll pigments present in their leaves. Plants then use this energy to carry out photosynthesis, where water is oxidized into oxygen and carbon dioxide...
01:19Regulation of Metabolism