Deciphering the molecular networks of 3-methylcholanthrene-induced clear cell renal cell carcinoma through

Yuzhe Su1, Peihuang Chen2, Yaoan Wen1

  • 1Department of Urology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350001, China.

Scientific Reports
|January 7, 2026
PubMed

Insights

3-Methylcholanthrene exposure may drive clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) by affecting key genes like GPC3, PIK3C2G, PPARA, and TRPA1. These molecular changes impact ccRCC progression and patient survival, revealing new therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • 3-Methylcholanthrene (3-MC) exposure is linked to clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) development.
  • The specific molecular mechanisms underlying 3-MC's role in ccRCC remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify genes targeted by 3-MC in ccRCC pathogenesis.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of 3-MC-induced ccRCC.

Main Methods:

  • Differential gene expression analysis across multiple datasets.
  • Integration of SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) with machine learning, network toxicology, and molecular docking.
  • Survival analysis using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data and molecular dynamics simulations.

Main Results:

  • Identified 99 potential target genes involved in 3-MC-induced ccRCC.
  • Selected four core genes (GPC3, PIK3C2G, PPARA, TRPA1) using machine learning; SHAP analysis confirmed their predictive importance.
  • Observed significant downregulation of GPC3, PIK3C2G, PPARA, and upregulation of TRPA1, correlating with patient survival outcomes.
  • Validated the structural stability of 3-MC and PPARA interaction via molecular dynamics.

Conclusions:

  • 3-Methylcholanthrene promotes ccRCC pathogenesis through specific molecular targets.
  • The identified core genes (GPC3, PIK3C2G, PPARA, TRPA1) play crucial roles in 3-MC-induced ccRCC.
  • These findings offer insights into ccRCC development and potential therapeutic strategies targeting 3-MC pathways.

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