VGLL4 Suppresses Malignant Phenotypes of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Cells Through Modulation of Hippo/YAP and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathways

Background/Objectives: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), the most common and aggressive subtype of kidney cancer, continues to face challenges in early diagnosis and treatment, driving the need for reliable biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Vestigial-like family member 4 (VGLL4), a transcriptional cofactor, has been identified as a tumor suppressor in several malignancies. However, its clinical significance, biological functions, and underlying mechanisms in ccRCC remain largely unknown.

Methods

In this study, we examined VGLL4 expression in ccRCC and normal tissues at both mRNA and protein levels and analyzed its correlation with clinicopathological features and patient prognosis. Functional experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of VGLL4 overexpression on ccRCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, as well as tumor growth in vivo. Integrated transcriptomic profiling and immunoblot validation were employed to explore the underlying signaling pathways.