A Zic2/Runx2/NOLC1 signaling axis mediates tumor growth and metastasis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is one of the most common malignancies with rapid growth and high metastasis, but lacks effective therapeutic targets. Here, using public sequencing data analyses, quantitative real-time PCR assay, western blotting, and IHC staining, we characterized that runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) was significantly upregulated in ccRCC tissues than that in normal renal tissues, which was associated with the worse survival of ccRCC patients. Overexpression of Runx2 promoted malignant proliferation and migration of ccRCC cells, and inversely, interfering Runx2 with siRNA attenuates its oncogenic ability. RNA sequencing and functional studies revealed that Runx2 enhanced ccRCC cell growth and metastasis via downregulation of tumor suppressor nucleolar and coiled-body phosphoprotein 1 (NOLC1). Moreover, increased Zic family member 2 (Zic2) was responsible for the upregulation of Runx2 and its oncogenic functions in ccRCC. Kaplan–Meier survival analyses indicated that ccRCC patients with high Zic2/Runx2 and low NOLC1 had the worst outcome. Therefore, our study demonstrates that Zic2/Runx2/NOLC1 signaling axis promotes ccRCC progression, providing a set of potential targets and prognostic indicators for patients with ccRCC.