%0 Journal Article
%T MicroRNAs: exploring a new dimension in the pathogenesis of kidney cancer
%A Nicole MA White
%A George M Yousef
%J BMC Medicine
%D 2010
%I BioMed Central
%R 10.1186/1741-7015-8-65
%X In this commentary, we discuss the current understanding of the role of miRNAs in RCC and the different possible scenarios of their involvement in RCC pathogenesis. We also address their clinical significance as tumour markers, together with the potential use of miRNAs as therapeutic targets. Finally, we discuss some of the challenges that face the fast-evolving field of miRNAs, including the identification and validation of miRNA targets and the difficulties associated with establishing a link between miRNA expression and biological effects. A more thorough understanding of the biological nature of miRNAs and careful experimental planning will help us to reveal the complex role that miRNAs play in RCC pathogenesis.See research article: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/8/64 webciteThis month, in BMC Medicine, Gleadle and colleagues show, for the first time, the effect of the von-Hippel-Lindeau (VHL) tumour suppressor gene on microRNA (miRNA) expression in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) [1]. Their elegant work opens up a new dimension in the investigation of the role of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of RCC. It also highlights the potential challenges that need to be addressed in order to allow a better understanding of the complex relationship between miRNAs and cancer.The VHL protein, which is defective in the majority of patients with RCC, plays a well characterized role in the pathogenesis of kidney cancer. Defective VHL leads to an accumulation of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) and the activation of the hypoxic pathway of gene expression [2]. Anaerobic respiration seen in renal (and other) tumours can, therefore, be affected by the dysregulation of the VHL pathway. More recently, it has been shown that VHL has a number of other important functions that are HIF-independent [3]. The paper by Neal et al. identified a number of significantly dysregulated VHL-dependant miRNAs. Interestingly, whereas some of these miRNAs had altered expression as a consequence of HI
%U http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7015/8/65