The Notch and TGF-β Signaling Pathways Contribute to the Aggressiveness of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
2011

Notch and TGF-β Signaling in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

Sample size: 176 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Jonas Sjölund, Anna-Karin Boström, David Lindgren, Sugata Manna, Aristidis Moustakas, Börje Ljungberg, Martin Johansson, Erik Fredlund, Håkan Axelson

Primary Institution: Lund University, University Hospital MAS, Malmö, Sweden

Hypothesis

Notch signaling might represent a novel, clinically targetable oncogenic pathway in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC).

Conclusion

There is significant cross-talk between the Notch and TGF-β signaling pathways in CCRCC, and their interaction is associated with the aggressiveness of the disease.

Supporting Evidence

  • Inhibition of Notch signaling decreased the migratory and invasive capacity of CCRCC cells.
  • Elevated TGF-β pathway activity correlated significantly with shortened disease-specific survival.
  • Notch inhibition modulated TGF-β dependent gene regulation in CCRCC cells.

Takeaway

This study found that two important signaling pathways in cancer, Notch and TGF-β, work together in kidney cancer cells to make them more aggressive.

Methodology

The study used gene expression analysis, Western blotting, and functional assays to investigate the effects of Notch inhibition on TGF-β signaling in CCRCC cells.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.006

Confidence Interval

95% CI = 1.55–10.53

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0023057

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