Long non-coding RNA PSMB8-AS1 as a potential biomarker for postoperative recurrence in patients with Fuhrman grades 1–3 clear cell renal cell carcinoma

TL;DR

This study identifies PSMB8-AS1, a long non-coding RNA, as a potential biomarker for predicting recurrence in patients with early-stage clear cell kidney cancer.

Contribution

The study reveals PSMB8-AS1's role in promoting cancer progression and its potential as a biomarker for recurrence in clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Findings

PSMB8-AS1 is overexpressed in clear cell RCC and linked to poor prognosis.

PSMB8-AS1 promotes cancer cell proliferation and invasion when overexpressed.

PSMB8-AS1 acts as a competing RNA, sponging miR-204-5p/miR-211 to enhance TFAP2A expression.

Abstract

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important regulators of oncogenesis. In this study, we investigated the tumor-promoting role and prognostic value of the lncRNA PSMB8-AS1 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Using lncRNA microarray analysis, we identified PSMB8-AS1 as a candidate gene associated with disease progression and immune checkpoint inhibitor resistance. We examined PSMB8-AS1 expression in tumors and adjacent normal renal tissues from 192 patients with RCC. In vitro functional assays were performed to assess their role in cell proliferation and invasion. We also conducted bioinformatics and luciferase reporter assays to clarify the interaction between miR-204-5p/miR-211 and the transcription factor TFAP2A. PSMB8-AS1 was significantly overexpressed in clear cell RCC (ccRCC) tissues and correlated with poor prognosis. Knockdown experiments revealed that PSMB8-AS1 promoted proliferation and invasion. Mechanistically, PSMB8-AS1 functions as a competing endogenous RNA, sponging miR-204-5p/miR-211 and enhancing TFAP2A expression. These findings suggest that PSMB8-AS1 represents a promising biomarker for postoperative ccRCC recurrence.

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