An integrated analysis of cancer genes in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Abstract

Aim: This study was performed to detect driver genes and implement integrated analyses on these drivers in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Methods: Driver genes and pathways were predicted by OncodriveFM and Dendrix using 39,636 somatic mutations from The Cancer Genome Atlas, followed by DNA methylation, copy number variation, differential expression and survival analyses. Results: Overall, 342 driver genes and 106 pathways were determined by OncodriveFM, two driver genes by Dendrix. 28 driver genes were found hypomethylated, overexpressed and associated to a poor prognosis. By contrast, 17 driver genes showed decreased expression, hypermethylation and indicated a better outcome in ccRCC. Conclusion: The set of new cancer genes and pathways opens the avenue for developing potential therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers in ccRCC.