Protein of Vascular Endothelial Growth Inhibitor 174 Inhibits Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Renal Cell Carcinoma In Vivo

Background: Vascular endothelial growth inhibitor (VEGI) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily, identified as an anti-angiogenic cytokine. However, the effect of VEGI on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is still unknown. Materials and Methods: In this study, protein VEGI174 was designed and synthesized. Renal cell carcinoma A498 cells were implanted into immune-deficient mice to establish tumor models. Two groups were included: control group treated with saline, and VEGI174-treated group. Data of tumor growth were collected every 3 to 4 days. Two weeks later, the tumor specimens were harvested for immunohistochemical staining of EMT markers (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin). Results: Compared to the saline-treated group, the VEGI174-treated group showed significant inhibition of tumor growth (p<0.05). The expression of E-cadherin was significantly higher in the VEGI174-treated group compared to the saline-treated group (p<0.01). However, the expression of N-cadherin and vimentin were reduced in the VEGI174-treated group. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that VEGI174 prevents progression and tumor metastasis through inhibiting EMT in RCC in vivo. This may provide a new approach for the treatment of RCC.