Histopathologic and proteogenomic heterogeneity reveals features of clear cell renal cell carcinoma aggressiveness

Clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCCs) represent -75% of RCC cases and account for most RCC-associ-ated deaths. Inter-and intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH) results in varying prognosis and treatment outcomes. To obtain the most comprehensive profile of ccRCC, we perform integrative histopathologic, proteogenomic, and metabolomic analyses on 305 ccRCC tumor segments and 166 paired adjacent normal tissues from 213 cases. Combining histologic and molecular profiles reveals ITH in 90% of ccRCCs, with 50% demonstrating immune signature heterogeneity. High tumor grade, along with BAP1 mutation, genome instability, increased hypermethylation, and a specific protein glycosylation signature define a high-risk disease subset, where UCHL1 expression displays prognostic value. Single-nuclei RNA sequencing of the adverse sarcomatoid and rhabdoid phenotypes uncover gene signatures and potential insights into tumor evolution. In vitro cell line studies confirm the potential of inhibiting identified phosphoproteome targets. This study molecularly stratifies aggressive histopathologic subtypes that may inform more effective treatment strategies.

Automated summary

By integrating histopathologic, proteogenomic, and metabolomic analyses, this study reveals the inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity of clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCCs). It identifies high-risk disease subsets based on tumor grade, BAP1 mutation, genome instability, hypermethylation, and protein glycosylation signature. RNA sequencing provides insights into gene signatures and potential targeted therapies, while in vitro cell line studies validate the efficacy of inhibiting identified phosphoproteome targets.