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Neuregulin receptor degradation protein-1 (Nrdp1) is involved in a plethora of cellular processes and plays an essential role in the development and progression of human cancers. However, its role in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the biological significance of Nrdp1 in RCC. Western blot analyses of tissue samples from 24 patients with primary RCC revealed lower Nrdp1 and higher baculovirus inhibitor of apoptosis repeat-containing ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (BRUCE) protein levels in RCC tissues compared with adjacent normal tissues. In addition, MTT and apoptosis assays demonstrated that Nrdp1 overexpression resulted in decreased cell viability and enhanced apoptosis in RCC 786-O cells; conversely, Nrdp1 knockdown increased 786-O cell viability and inhibited apoptosis. Further analysis showed that BRUCE downregulation partially attenuated the effects of Nrdp1 knockdown on RCC cell viability and apoptosis. Moreover, an inverse association was obtained between BRUCE and Nrdp1 protein levels. These findings suggest that Nrdp1-mediated degradation of BRUCE decreases cell viability and induces apoptosis in RCC cells, highlighting Nrdp1 as a potential target for RCC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anticancer properties of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) are documented in the treatment of several types of cancer; however, there is no relevant evidence for its efficacy in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). In the present study, the therapeutic effects of EGCG in vitro were investigated, with particular attention to the metastatic behavior of human RCC cells. MTT assays and flow cytometry were performed to detect the effects of EGCG on the proliferation and apoptosis of RCC cells. The migration and invasion abilities of RCC cells following treatment with EGCG were assessed by wound-healing and Transwell assays, respectively. Gelatin zymography and western blot analysis were performed to analyze the effect of EGCG on matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 expression levels. The results suggested that EGCG was able to inhibit the proliferation of RCC cells, induce apoptosis and effectively suppressed the migration and invasion of RCC cells. In addition, EGCG treatment resulted in the downregulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in RCC cells. We hypothesize that the anticancer effect associated with EGCG may involve the downregulation of MMP-2 and MMP-9. The present results suggest the potential of EGCG as a novel therapeutic agent against RCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expression patterns of the Dickkopf (Dkk) family of proteins varies in different cancers. In the present study, the expression levels of Dkkl and Dkk3 were investigated in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) tissues. Dkkl and Dkk3 serum levels were also examined in patients with ccRCC, and the association between clinicopathological features and Dkk levels was investigated. Serum Dkkl and Dkk3 were quantified using ELISA in 64 patients with ccRCC and in 30 healthy individuals (controls). The expression levels of Dkkl and Dkk3 were analyzed in tumor and adjacent normal tissues obtained from patients with ccRCC (n=20) using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. The mean serum levels of Dkkl and Dkk3 in the patients with ccRCC were significantly lower than those in the healthy controls. Furthermore, the serum Dkkl levels were significantly lower at higher tumor-node-metastasis stages and tumor grades. qPCR, western blot analysis and immunohisto-chemistry revealed a significant decrease in the Dkkl and Dkk3 mRNA and protein levels in the tumor tissues compared with the adjacent normal tissues. Consequently, Dkkl and Dkk3 may present a novel molecular target for the diagnosis and therapeutic treatment of ccRCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]