DLX5 Promotes Radioresistance in Renal Cell Carcinoma by Upregulating c-Myc Expression.

Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a prevalent and aggressive kidney cancer with notable metastatic potential. While radiotherapy is effective for treating metastatic RCC, the emergence of radioresistance presents a major challenge. This study explores the role of , previously identified as an oncogene in various cancers, in the development of radioresistance in RCC.

Methods: Distal-less homeobox 5 (DLX5) expression was measured using western blot analysis. To study the effects of DLX5, its expression was knocked down in 786-O and Caki-1 RCC cell lines through si-DLX5 transfection, and the impact of DLX5 on RCC cell proliferation and radioresistance was assessed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation assay, flow cytometry, colony formation, immunofluorescence, and western blot assays. The underlying mechanisms were explored through western blot, colony formation, and CCK-8 assays. effects were examined using a xenograft mouse model.

Results: results showed increased DLX5 levels in RCC tissues. Similarly, DLX5 expression was elevated in RCC cell lines. Silencing DLX5 reduced RCC cell proliferation and induced apoptosis . Additionally, DLX5 knockdown decreased radioresistance and increased DNA damage in RCC cells. Mechanistic studies revealed that DLX5 promotes radioresistance through the upregulation of c-Myc. , DLX5 silencing impeded tumor growth and reduced radioresistance.

Conclusion: DLX5 contributes to RCC cell growth and radioresistance by upregulating c-Myc expression, highlighting its potential as a target for overcoming radioresistance in RCC.