VHL-Regulated MiR-204 Suppresses Tumor Growth through Inhibition of LC3B-Mediated Autophagy in Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma

SummaryThe von Hippel-Lindau tumor-suppressor gene (VHL) is lost in most clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCC). Here, using human ccRCC specimens, VHL-deficient cells, and xenograft models, we show that miR-204 is a VHL-regulated tumor suppressor acting by inhibiting macroautophagy, with MAP1LC3B (LC3B) as a direct and functional target. Of note, higher tumor grade of human ccRCC was correlated with a concomitant decrease in miR-204 and increase in LC3B levels, indicating that LC3B-mediated macroautophagy is necessary for RCC progression. VHL, in addition to inducing endogenous miR-204, triggered the expression of LC3C, an HIF-regulated LC3B paralog, that suppressed tumor growth. These data reveal a function of VHL as a tumor-suppressing regulator of autophagic programs.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload high-quality image (244 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► VHL induces tumor-suppressing miR-204 and miR-204 is lost in human ccRCC
► MiR-204 targets the autophagic regulator LC3B thus inhibiting autophagy
► LC3B-dependent autophagy is necessary for ccRCC tumor growth
► VHL, by repressing HIF, induces LC3C-dependent, tumor-suppressing autophagy