Deciphering the Role of ERBB3 Isoforms in Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Genomic and Transcriptomic Analysis

ERBB3, a key member of the receptor tyrosine kinase family, is implicated in the progression and development of various human cancers, affecting cellular proliferation and survival. This study investigated the expression of ERBB3 isoforms in renal clear cell carcinoma (RCC), utilizing data from 538 patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Firehose Legacy dataset. Employing the SUPPA2 tool, the activity of 10 ERBB3 isoforms was examined, revealing distinct expression patterns in RCC. Isoforms uc001sjg.3 and uc001sjh.3 were found to have reduced activity in tumor tissues, while uc010sqb.2 and uc001sjl.3 demonstrated increased activity. These variations in isoform expression correlate with patient survival and tumor aggressiveness, indicating their complex role in RCC. The study, further, utilizes CIBERSORTx to analyze the association between ERBB3 isoforms and immune cell profiles in the tumor microenvironment. Concurrently, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was applied, establishing a strong link between elevated levels of ERBB3 isoforms and critical oncogenic pathways, including DNA repair and androgen response. RT-PCR analysis targeting the exon 21-23 and exon 23 regions of ERBB3 confirmed its heightened expression in tumor tissues, underscoring the significance of alternative splicing and exon utilization in cancer development. These findings elucidate the diverse impacts of ERBB3 isoforms on RCC, suggesting their potential as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets. This study emphasizes the need for further exploration into the specific roles of these isoforms, which could inform more personalized and effective treatment modalities for renal clear cell carcinoma.