CGE_2024v12n4

Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics 2024, Vol.12, No.4, 223-233 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/cge 223 Review and Progress Open Access Application and Prospects of VHLGene in Kidney Cancer Diagnosis Qiyan Lou, Xiaoying Xu Biotechnology Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, China Corresponding author: xiaoying.xu@cuixi.org Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, 2024, Vol.12, No.4 doi: 10.5376/cge.2024.12.0023 Received: 12 Jul., 2024 Accepted: 15 Aug., 2024 Published: 28 Aug., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Lou and Xu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Lou Q.Y., and Xu X.Y., 2024, Multi-Modal data fusion using ai for colon cancer prediction, Cancer Genetics and Epigenetics, 12(4): 223-233 (doi: 10.5376/cge.2024.12.0023) Abstract The von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), both in hereditary and sporadic forms. This study explores the application and future prospects of VHLgene research in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney cancer. VHL inactivation, through mutations, loss of heterozygosity, or promoter hypermethylation, is a common event in ccRCC, leading to the stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) and subsequent activation of angiogenic pathways. Recent studies have highlighted the significance of VHL gene alterations in predicting disease prognosis and therapeutic responses. Integrated genomic analyses have identified VHL as a key player in the molecular landscape of ccRCC, providing insights into potential therapeutic targets. Furthermore, the development of anti-angiogenic therapies targeting the VHL-HIF-VEGF/VEGFR pathway has revolutionized the treatment of metastatic ccRCC. This study also discusses the emerging role of VHL gene status in guiding personalized treatment strategies and the potential of novel biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis. The ongoing research onVHLgene alterations holds promise for improving the clinical management of kidney cancer. Keywords von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene; Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC); Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs); Anti-angiogenic therapy; Biomarkers 1 Introduction Kidney cancer, also known as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), is a significant health concern worldwide. It originates from the renal epithelium and accounts for more than 90% of cancers in the kidney (Hsieh et al., 2017). RCC is a heterogeneous group of tumors with varying clinical outcomes, ranging from indolent to highly aggressive forms (Algaba et al., 2011). The most common subtype, clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), is responsible for the majority of kidney cancer-related deaths (Hsieh et al., 2017). The prevalence of RCC has been increasing, and it is now among the top ten most common cancers globally (Tanturovska et al., 2023). Despite advances in treatment, the mortality rate remains high, particularly for metastatic RCC, which is often refractory to conventional chemotherapy (Hsieh et al., 2017). Early diagnosis of kidney cancer is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Localized RCC can often be successfully managed with surgical intervention, leading to better prognosis and survival rates (Hsieh et al., 2017). However, metastatic RCC presents significant treatment challenges and is associated with poor prognosis (Hsieh et al., 2017). The ability to detect RCC at an early stage can significantly reduce mortality rates and improve the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. Advances in imaging techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have enhanced the detection and assessment of renal lesions, but there is still a need for more precise and early diagnostic tools (Vérine et al., 2010). Genetic biomarkers have emerged as vital tools in the diagnosis and management of various cancers, including RCC. Among these, the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of ccRCC. The VHL gene is a tumor suppressor that regulates the degradation of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), particularly HIF-1α and HIF-2α (Schödel et al., 2016; Mazumder et al., 2023). Mutations or inactivation of the VHL gene lead to the stabilization and accumulation of HIFs, which in turn drive the transcription of genes involved in cell growth, angiogenesis, and metabolism, promoting tumorigenesis (Schödel et al., 2016; Mazumder et al., 2023). The VHL-HIF pathway is a well-studied therapeutic target, and understanding its mechanisms has led to the

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