NRP1 knockdown inhibits the invasion and migration of rhabdoid tumor of the kidney cells.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to detect candidate oncogenes of rhabdoid tumor of the kidney (RTK) and evaluate their roles in RTK in vitro.

METHODS

An integrated analysis of messenger RNA (mRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) sequencing was performed to determine the expression profile of exosome-derived miRNAs and mRNAs in human RTK-derived cell lines and a human embryonic renal cell line. A Gene Ontology enrichment analysis was performed to analyze the functional characteristics of differentially expressed mRNAs in RTK cells. Matrigel invasion and wound-healing assays were performed to evaluate the cell invasion and migration abilities.

RESULTS

Forty mRNAs were highly expressed in RTK cells targeted by exosomal miRNAs, the expression of which was lower in RTK cells than in the controls. These mRNAs were primarily related to cell adhesion. Of these mRNAs, we selected neuropilin 1 (NRP1) as a candidate oncogene because its upregulated expression is associated with a poor prognosis of several types of tumors. RTK cells in which NRP1 had been knocked down exhibited decreased invasive and migratory abilities.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that NRP1 acts as an oncogene by promoting the invasion and migration of RTK cells and that it could serve as a therapeutic target.