Inactivation of the von Hippel-Lindau tumour suppressor gene induces Neuromedin U expression in renal cancer cells
2011

VHL Gene Loss Increases Neuromedin U in Kidney Cancer Cells

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Sarah K Harten, Miguel A Esteban, Deepa Shukla, Margaret Ashcroft, Patrick H Maxwell

Primary Institution: University College London

Hypothesis

How does the inactivation of the VHL tumor suppressor gene affect Neuromedin U expression in renal cancer cells?

Conclusion

The study suggests that loss of VHL leads to increased Neuromedin U expression, which may promote kidney cancer progression.

Supporting Evidence

  • VHL loss leads to increased NMU expression in renal cancer cells.
  • HIF activation mediates the upregulation of NMU in VHL defective cells.
  • NMU stimulates migration of renal cancer cells.

Takeaway

When a specific gene that helps control tumors is turned off in kidney cancer cells, another substance called Neuromedin U goes up, which might help the cancer grow.

Methodology

Gene expression microarray and real-time RT-PCR were used to analyze NMU expression in renal cancer cells with and without VHL.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1476-4598-10-89

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