Multi-Omics Analysis of the Prognosis and Biological Function for TRPV Channel Family in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma

BackgroundThe transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) channels family, TRPV1-6, has been identified to profoundly affect a wide spectrum of pathological processes in various cancers. However, the biological function and prognostic value of TRPVs in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) are still largely unknown. MethodsWe obtained the gene expression data and clinical information of 539 ccRCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. A series of databases were used for data processing and visualization, including GEPIA, GeneMANIA, MethSurv, GSCA, TIMER, and starBase databases. ResultsThe mRNA expression of TRPV2/3 was upregulated while the expression of TRPV5/6 was downregulated in ccRCC tumor tissues. TRPV family members in ccRCC were rarely mutated (nearly 7 frequencies). The ROC curve showed that TRPV2/5/6 had a high diagnostic ability in discriminating ccRCC from the control samples (AUC>0.9). Higher levels of TRPV3 expression were associated with poor prognosis of ccRCC patients, while higher expression of TRPV4 was associated with favorable prognosis. The expression of TRPV3 in normal and ccRCC tissues was validated by Immunohistochemistry, and its expression was remarkably related to high histologic grade and advanced stage. Besides, TRPV3 exhibit a reduction of DNA methylation level with tumor progression, and 12 CpGs of TRPV3 were associated with a significant prognosis. In addition, TRPV3 expression was significantly associated with the accumulation of several tumor-infiltrating immune cells, especially regulatory T cells. Furthermore, high levels of TRPV3 induced the expression of immune checkpoints such as LAG3, CTLA4, PDCD1, and TIGIT. Finally, we predicted a key SNHG3/AL513497.1-miR-10b-5p-TRPV3 axis linking to carcinogenesis and progression of ccRCC. ConclusionOur study may uncover TRPV channels-associated molecular mechanisms involved in the tumorigenesis and progression of ccRCC. TRPV family members might be diagnosed and prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets for ccRCC patients.

Automated summary

The TRPV ion channel family, including TRPV1-6, has been found to have a profound impact on a wide range of pathological processes in various cancers. However, the biological function and prognostic value of TRPVs in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) remain largely unknown. In this study, we analyzed gene expression data and clinical information of ccRCC patients and found that TRPV2/3 expression was upregulated while TRPV5/6 expression was downregulated in ccRCC tumor tissues. This study provides insights into the role of TRPV channels in the development and progression of ccRCC and suggests that TRPV family members may serve as diagnostic and prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets for ccRCC patients.