ABCG1 promotes the proliferation and migration of clear cell renal cell carcinoma and reduces its apoptosis

Background and Aims: In this study, we analyzed the expression levels of ATP-binding cassette transporter G1 (ABCG1) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) to assess its significance for early diagnosis and its role in the disease's biological processes. Materials and Methods: ABCG1 expression levels in ccRCC were determined by analyzing The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, as well as immunohistochemical staining and western blot. The correlation between the ABCG1 expression level and the clinicopathological stage and diagnostic prognosis of ccRCC were analyzed by the TCGA database. The ABCG1 stable knockout cell line and functional experiments using ABCG1 inhibitors were constructed to verify the effect of reduced ABCG1 expression on the ccRCC cell function. In addition, the pathways and genes affected by ABCG1 were analyzed by RNA-seq. Results: Analysis of the TCGA database demonstrated, as well as immunohistochemical staining and western blot detection, confirmed that ABCG1 was significantly elevated in ccRCC. The expression level of ABCG1 was correlated with the clinicopathological stage of ccRCC. The Cox regression analysis showed that ABCG1 could be used as an independent prognostic marker for ccRCC. And decreasing ABCG1 expression decreased the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of ccRCC cells, with increased apoptosis. In addition, analysis of ABCG1-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed that ABCG1 positively regulates specific proliferation-related genes and negatively affects those associated with apoptosis. Conclusions: In summary, these findings highlight the critical role of ABCG1 in ccRCC progression and suggest its potential as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis.