The complex interplay between metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic alterations in renal cell carcinoma

Abstract

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is the most common malignancy affecting the kidney. Current therapies are mostly curative for localized disease, but do not completely preclude recurrence and metastization. Thus, it is imperative to develop new therapeutic strategies based on RCC biological properties. Presently, metabolic reprograming and epigenetic alterations are recognized cancer hallmarks and their interactions are still in its infancy concerning RCC. In this review, we explore RCC biology, highlighting genetic and epigenetic alterations that contribute to metabolic deregulation of tumor cells, including high glycolytic phenotype (Warburg effect). Moreover, we critically discuss available data concerning epigenetic enzymes’ regulation by aberrant metabolite accumulation and their consequences in RCC emergence and progression. Finally, we emphasize the clinical relevance of uncovering novel therapeutic targets based on epigenetic reprograming by metabolic features to improve treatment and survival of RCC patients.