Rupesh Zarekar

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), particularly clear cell RCC (ccRCC), is the most common kidney cancer, often diagnosed at advanced stages with poor prognosis. In India, ccRCC has a rising incidence and higher mortality compared to developed countries. Mitochondria, crucial for energy production, cell death, and immune regulation, play a significant role in cancer progression. Mitochondrial complex I, a key component of the electron transport chain (ETC), consists of 45 subunits, with 38 encoded by nuclear mitochondrial (NuMT) genes. Alterations or mutations in NuMT genes disrupt complex  assembly and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), contributing to tumor growth, immune evasion, and metastasis. Role of NuMT gene dysregulation with aggressive RCC phenotypes and their roles in mitochondrial OXPHOS activity remains less explored. Investigating NuMT gene expression and its impact on mitochondrial function could reveal novel therapeutic targets to control RCC progression and improve patient outcomes.