Knockdown of Myoferlin Suppresses Migration and Invasion in Clear-Cell Renal-Cell Carcinoma.

Background/aim: Myoferlin (MYOF) has emerged as an oncogenic protein in various human cancer types. This study was conducted to investigate comprehensively the expression and functional properties of MYOF in clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma (ccRCC) with respect to its value as diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target.

Materials And Methods: mRNA and protein expression of MYOF were assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. siRNA-mediated knockdown of MYOF was performed in the RCC cell line ACHN followed by proliferation, migration and invasion assays.

Results: MYOF mRNA and protein expression were significantly up-regulated in ccRCC. Higher mRNA levels were measured in advanced tumors. MYOF protein expression was increased in tumors with higher histological grades, and those with positive lymph node and surgical margin status. MYOF knockdown led to reduction of migration and invasion in ACHN cells, whereas expression of angiogenesis-associated genes tyrosine-protein kinase receptor-2 (TIE2), angiopoietin 2 (ANG2) and caveolin-1 (CAV1) was up-regulated following knockdown.

Conclusion: MYOF may serve as a diagnostic biomarker of tumor progression and a potential therapeutic target in ccRCC.