Integrative proteogenomic characterization of Wilms tumor

Nat Commun. 2025 Aug 19;16(1):7715. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-62234-7.

Abstract

Wilms tumor (WT), the most common pediatric renal malignancy, exhibits a relatively low mutational burden compared to adult cancers, which hinders the development of targeted therapies. To elucidate the molecular landscape of WT, we perform integrative proteomic, phosphoproteomic, transcriptomic, and whole-exome sequencing analyses of WT and normal kidney tissue adjacent to tumor. Our multi-omics approach uncovers prognostic genetic alterations, distinct molecular subgroups, immune microenvironment features, and potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Proteome- and transcriptome-based stratification identifies three molecular subgroups with unique signatures, correlating with different histopathological subtypes and putative cellular origins at different stages of embryonic kidney development. Notably, we identify EHMT2 as a promising prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target associated with epigenetic regulation and Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In this work, we provide a comprehensive molecular characterization of WT, offering valuable insights into its pathogenesis and a foundational resource for future therapeutic development.

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Child
  • Epigenesis, Genetic
  • Exome Sequencing
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Kidney / metabolism
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Kidney Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Male
  • Mutation
  • Prognosis
  • Proteogenomics* / methods
  • Proteome / genetics
  • Proteomics / methods
  • Transcriptome
  • Tumor Microenvironment
  • Wilms Tumor* / genetics
  • Wilms Tumor* / metabolism
  • Wilms Tumor* / pathology
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway / genetics

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • Proteome