Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 18, 2025

Comparing Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Model Established in Mouse Kidney and on Chicken Chorioallantoic Membrane
05:36

Comparing Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Model Established in Mouse Kidney and on Chicken Chorioallantoic Membrane

Published on: February 8, 2020

9.2K

HOXD1 functions as a novel tumor suppressor in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma

Yuanbo Cui1,2, Chunyan Zhang3, Ya Li2

  • 1Department of Translational Medicine Center, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.

Cell Biology International
|February 9, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Homeobox-D (HOXD) genes, including HOXD1, are dysregulated in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). Low HOXD1 expression indicates poor prognosis and suggests HOXD1 acts as a tumor suppressor in KIRC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is a prevalent genitourinary malignancy.
  • The homeobox-D (HOXD) gene cluster's role in KIRC progression is largely uncharacterized.
  • Understanding HOXD gene expression is crucial for identifying KIRC biomarkers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression patterns and prognostic significance of HOXD genes in KIRC.
  • To elucidate the functional role of HOXD1 in KIRC development and progression.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive analysis of HOXD gene expression and survival data using TCGA databases (GEPIA, UALCAN, starBase v3.0, LinkedOmics).
  • Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to identify associated signaling pathways.
  • In vitro loss-of-function and gain-of-function experiments to assess HOXD1's functional impact.

Main Results:

  • HOXD1, HOXD8, and HOXD10 mRNA levels were significantly downregulated in KIRC tissues.
  • Low expression of HOXD1 or HOXD8 correlated with poor overall survival (OS).
  • Downregulated HOXD1, HOXD3, or HOXD4 predicted unfavorable disease-free survival (DFS).
  • HOXD1 downregulation was associated with advanced tumor stages and correlated with OS and DFS.
  • HOXD1 was implicated in cell cycle regulation, TGF-β, and Wnt signaling pathways.
  • HOXD1 inhibited KIRC cell proliferation, cell cycle, and TGF-β signaling.

Conclusions:

  • HOXD1 is frequently downregulated in KIRC and serves as a potential prognostic biomarker.
  • HOXD1 exhibits tumor-suppressive functions by inhibiting cell proliferation and key signaling pathways.
  • Targeting HOXD1 may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for KIRC.
Keywords:
HOXD1TGF-βcell cyclehomeobox-D cluster geneskidney renal clear cell carcinomaprognosis

More Related Videos

HOX Loci Focused CRISPR/sgRNA Library Screening Identifying Critical CTCF Boundaries10:10

HOX Loci Focused CRISPR/sgRNA Library Screening Identifying Critical CTCF Boundaries

Published on: March 31, 2019

8.5K
Identification of OTX1 and OTX2 As Two Possible Molecular Markers for Sinonasal Carcinomas and Olfactory Neuroblastomas07:00

Identification of OTX1 and OTX2 As Two Possible Molecular Markers for Sinonasal Carcinomas and Olfactory Neuroblastomas

Published on: February 28, 2019

6.1K

Related Concept Videos

Hedgehog Signaling Pathway02:33

Hedgehog Signaling Pathway

The Hedgehog gene (Hh) was first discovered due to its control of the growth of disorganized, hair-like bristles phenotype in Drosophila, much like hedgehog spines. Hh plays a crucial role in the development of organs and the maintenance of homeostasis in both invertebrates and vertebrates. However, while Drosophila has only one Hh protein, mammals have multiple functional Hedgehog proteins - Sonic (Shh), Desert (Dhh), and Indian Hedgehog (Ihh). All of these homologous proteins have adapted to...
8.1K
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions01:12

Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
5.5K
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
8.7K
The Retinoblastoma Gene01:20

The Retinoblastoma Gene

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
4.4K
Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply01:24

Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply

Rapidly dividing tumors, embryos, and wounded tissues require more oxygen than usual, lowering the oxygen concentration in the blood. At low oxygen or hypoxic conditions, an oxygen-sensitive transcription factor called the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 or HIF1 is activated. HIF1 is a dimeric protein of alpha (ɑ) and beta (β) subunits.  Under optimal oxygen conditions, HIF1β is present in the nucleus while HIF1ɑ remains in the cytosol. HIF1ɑ is hydroxylated by prolyl...
3.0K
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the...
4.9K