The glucose and lipid metabolism reprogramming is grade-dependent in clear cell renal cell carcinoma primary cultures and is targetable to modulate cell viability and proliferation

Integrated multi-omics characterization reveals a distinctive metabolic signature and the role of NDUFA4L2 in promoting angiogenesis, chemoresistance, and mitochondrial dysfunction in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

An altered metabolism is involved in the development of clear cell - renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), and in this tumor many altered genes play a fundamental role in controlling cell metabolic activities. We delineated a large-scale metabolomic profile of human ccRCC, and integrated it with transcriptomic data to connect the variations in cancer metabolism with gene expression changes. Moreover, to better analyze the specific contribution of metabolic gene alterations potentially associated with tumorigenesis and tumor progression, we evaluated the transcription profile of primary renal tumor cells. Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed a signature of an increased glucose uptake and utilization in ccRCC. In addition, metabolites related to pentose phosphate pathway were also altered in the tumor samples in association with changes in Krebs cycle intermediates and related metabolites. We identified NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) 1 alpha subcomplex 4-like 2 (NDUFA4L2) as the most highly expressed gene in renal cancer cells and evaluated its role in sustaining angiogenesis, chemoresistance, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Finally, we showed that silencing of NDUFA4L2 affects cell viability, increases mitochondrial mass, and induces ROS generation in hypoxia.

Metabolic Pathways in Kidney Cancer: Current Therapies and Future Directions

BACKGROUND

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) has become known as a metabolic disease, owing to the diverse array of metabolic defects and perturbations that occur as a result of the unique genetics that can drive these tumors. Recent attention to this feature of RCCs has fueled interest in targeting metabolism as a therapeutic strategy.

METHODS

We conducted a literature search to develop themes around discrete pathways or processes of cellular metabolism, provide a framework for understanding emerging therapeutic strategies, and consider future interventions.

RESULTS

Defects occur in metabolic pathways ranging from glycolysis to mitochondrial function and affect not only the tumor cell functionality, but also the local environment. We identified opportunities for therapeutic intervention associated with each pathway.

CONCLUSION

The metabolism of RCC cells presents a special environment of tumor susceptibilities, with opportunities for novel imaging applications and treatment paradigms that are being tested in monotherapy or as adjuncts to targeted or immune-based strategies.