VHL deficiency augments anthracycline sensitivity of clear cell renal cell carcinomas by down-regulating ALDH2.

Gao, Yao-Hui; Wu, Zhao-Xia; Xie, Li-Qi; Li, Cai-Xia; Mao, Yu-Qin; Duan, Yan-Tao; Han, Bing; Han, San-Feng et al. · Nat Commun · 2017

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

The von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) is deficient in ∼70% of clear-cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCC), which contributes to the carcinogenesis and drug resistance of ccRCC. Here we show that VHL-deficient ccRCC cells present enhanced cytotoxicity of anthracyclines in a hypoxia-inducible factor-independent manner. By subtractive proteomic analysis coupling with RNAi or overexpression verification, aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) is found to be transcriptionally regulated by VHL and contributes to enhanced anthracyclines cytotoxicity in ccRCC cells. Furthermore, VHL regulates ALDH2 expression by directly binding the promoter of -130 bp to -160 bp to activate the transcription of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF-4α). In addition, a positive correlation is found among the protein expressions of VHL, HNF-4α and ALDH2 in ccRCC samples. These findings will deepen our understanding of VHL function and shed light on precise treatment for ccRCC patients.

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