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Renal cell carcinoma accounts for 2–3% of all cancers and metastasis increased the malignancy of renal cancer. However, the role of methylation in metastasis of renal cancer is poorly understood.

We performed targeted gene array to compare the differential expressions of methylation regulated genes in metastatic and primary renal cancer tissues. Quantitative methylation specific PCR was performed to examine the CpG methylation levels of Runt related transcription factor 3 (RUNX3) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. Western blot was performed to detect the expression of target genes. Murine xenograft renal cancer model was established to assay gene expression, methylation level, tumor growth and animal survival in vivo.

RUNX3 and TGF-β levels were decreased in metastatic renal cancer tissues as a result of their CpG methylation. Metastatic xenograft model displayed decreased expression levels of RUNX3 and TGF-β and higher CpG methylation levels, bigger tumor size and shorter survival time, all which were restored by treatment with a methylation inhibitor.

Hypermethylation in CpG islands promotes metastasis of renal cancer and is associated with TGF-β and RUNX3 inhibition.