MicroRNAs interacting with kidney cancer cells

Unlocking the Secrets of Kidney Cancer: How MicroRNAs Could Revolutionize Diagnosis and Treatment

Kai Mendoza in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research sheds light on the critical role of microRNAs in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), offering hope for improved detection and targeted therapies."

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), a common type of kidney cancer in adults, poses a significant challenge due to its often late detection and potential for metastasis. Traditional diagnostic methods sometimes fall short, leading researchers to explore innovative approaches for early and accurate diagnosis. The quest for more effective treatments has led scientists to delve into the complex molecular mechanisms that drive ccRCC development and progression.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as key players in this arena. These small, non-coding RNA molecules regulate gene expression and influence various biological processes, including angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) and tumor growth. By understanding how miRNAs behave in ccRCC, researchers hope to unlock new avenues for early detection, personalized treatment, and improved patient outcomes.

This article explores recent research investigating the role of specific miRNAs and their target genes in ccRCC. The study analyzes the expression levels of several miRNAs and genes related to angiogenesis, aiming to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for this challenging disease.

Decoding the Role of MicroRNAs in Kidney Cancer

MicroRNAs interacting with kidney cancer cells

The study meticulously analyzed tissue samples from 56 patients diagnosed with ccRCC. Researchers used quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to measure the expression levels of selected miRNAs and their corresponding target genes, which play crucial roles in angiogenesis. These included miR-99a, miR-99b, miR-100, miR-199a, miR-106a, miR-106b, miR-29a, miR-29b, miR-29c, miR-126, miR-200a, and miR-200b, along with their respective target genes like mTOR, HIF1-a, VHL, PDGF, VEGF, VEGFR1, and VEGFR2.

By comparing the expression levels of these miRNAs and genes in tumor tissue samples with those in normal kidney tissue, researchers sought to identify significant differences and correlations. The study also investigated the relationships between miRNA expression and various tumor characteristics, such as tumor size, Fuhrman nuclear grade (a system for grading the aggressiveness of kidney cancer cells), and microvascular invasion (the spread of cancer cells into blood vessels).

miR-99a: Often overexpressed, leading to underexpression of its target gene, mTOR.
miR-106a and miR-106b: Also overexpressed, resulting in underexpression of their target gene, VHL.
miR-200b: Increased expression correlated with high-risk tumors.
miR-126: Overexpression associated with low Fuhrman grade (less aggressive tumors).

The results revealed significant alterations in miRNA expression patterns in ccRCC. Notably, miR-99a, miR-106a, and miR-106b were frequently overexpressed, leading to the downregulation of their target genes, mTOR and VHL. These genes are crucial regulators of cell growth, proliferation, and angiogenesis, suggesting that their dysregulation may contribute to ccRCC development.

The Future of Kidney Cancer Treatment: MicroRNAs as Therapeutic Targets

This research underscores the potential of miRNAs as both diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ccRCC. The identification of specific miRNAs associated with tumor aggressiveness and prognosis opens doors for developing novel diagnostic tools that can detect ccRCC early and predict its likely course. Furthermore, the ability to manipulate miRNA expression could lead to targeted therapies that disrupt the molecular pathways driving tumor growth and angiogenesis. Further research is needed to validate these findings and translate them into clinical applications, but the promise of miRNAs in revolutionizing kidney cancer treatment is undeniable. As we continue to unravel the complex roles of these tiny molecules, we move closer to a future where kidney cancer can be diagnosed earlier, treated more effectively, and ultimately, conquered.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1186/s12894-017-0306-3, Alternate LINK

Title: Expression Of Micro-Rnas And Genes Related To Angiogenesis In Ccrcc And Associations With Tumor Characteristics

Subject: Urology

Journal: BMC Urology

Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC

Authors: Rita De Cássia Oliveira, Renato Fidelis Ivanovic, Katia Ramos Moreira Leite, Nayara Izabel Viana, Ruan César Aparecido Pimenta, José Pontes Junior, Vanessa Ribeiro Guimarães, Denis Reis Morais, Daniel Kanda Abe, Adriano João Nesrallah, Miguel Srougi, William Nahas, Sabrina Thalita Reis

Published: 2017-12-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), and why is it a significant health concern?

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a common type of kidney cancer in adults. It presents a significant health challenge primarily because it is often detected at a late stage. This delayed detection can lead to metastasis, where the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, making treatment more difficult and reducing the chances of successful outcomes. The study highlights the need for improved diagnostic methods and more effective treatments for ccRCC to address this critical health concern.

How do microRNAs (miRNAs) influence the development and progression of ccRCC?

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression, thereby influencing various biological processes crucial for cancer development. In ccRCC, specific miRNAs like miR-99a, miR-106a, miR-106b, miR-200b, and miR-126 have been found to play critical roles. These miRNAs can affect angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) and tumor characteristics. For example, the study showed that miR-99a and miR-106a/b overexpression leads to the downregulation of target genes like mTOR and VHL, which are involved in cell growth, proliferation, and angiogenesis. The expression of miR-200b correlated with high-risk tumors, and miR-126 overexpression was associated with less aggressive tumors.

What specific microRNAs and their target genes are mentioned in the context of ccRCC research, and what are their roles?

The research focuses on several specific microRNAs and their target genes. The miRNAs include miR-99a, miR-99b, miR-100, miR-199a, miR-106a, miR-106b, miR-29a, miR-29b, miR-29c, miR-126, miR-200a, and miR-200b. Their target genes encompass mTOR, HIF1-a, VHL, PDGF, VEGF, VEGFR1, and VEGFR2. The study indicates that miR-99a overexpression leads to mTOR underexpression, miR-106a and miR-106b overexpression leads to VHL underexpression. These genes and their regulation are essential for angiogenesis, cell growth, and proliferation, suggesting that their dysregulation contributes to ccRCC development and progression.

How can the study of microRNAs contribute to improved diagnosis and treatment of kidney cancer?

The study of microRNAs (miRNAs) offers significant potential for both improved diagnosis and treatment of ccRCC. miRNAs can serve as diagnostic biomarkers, enabling early detection of ccRCC by identifying specific miRNA expression patterns associated with the disease. The identification of specific miRNAs linked to tumor aggressiveness and prognosis helps in predicting the likely course of the disease. Furthermore, manipulating miRNA expression can lead to targeted therapies that disrupt the molecular pathways driving tumor growth and angiogenesis. This approach could revolutionize kidney cancer treatment by providing earlier detection, more personalized treatment strategies, and potentially improved patient outcomes.

What are the implications of the findings regarding miR-126 and its association with the Fuhrman grade in ccRCC?

The finding that overexpression of miR-126 is associated with a low Fuhrman grade in ccRCC has important implications. The Fuhrman nuclear grade is a system for grading the aggressiveness of kidney cancer cells. A low grade indicates that the cancer cells are less aggressive and likely to grow and spread more slowly. Therefore, the overexpression of miR-126 suggests that it may play a protective role, potentially suppressing tumor aggressiveness. This insight could lead to new therapeutic strategies that aim to increase miR-126 expression in ccRCC cells to slow down the progression of the disease and improve patient prognosis. This highlights the potential of miRNAs as therapeutic targets.