Metanephric adenoma (MA) is an uncommon, benign kidney tumor that occurs mostly in adult women. At Protheragen, we offer integrated preclinical therapeutics development services specifically tailored to Metanephric Adenoma (MA). We focus on all aspects of diagnostics development, drug discovery, and insightful therapeutic design refinement while applying the latest technologies and systematic knowledge of MA biology.
Overview of Metanephric Adenoma (MA)
Metanephric adenoma (MA) is a rare benign tumor of renal tissues that originates from embryonic nephritic medulla tissues. In adults, it comprises about 0.2-0.7% of renal epithelial neoplasms and exhibits predominance in females with a ratio of approximately two females for every male. Moreover, MA mostly remains asymptomatic and becomes apparent only during routine physical examinations or imaging procedures conducted for unrelated reasons. Symptomatic cases may present with an abdominal mass, pain, hematuria, and in some instances—polycythemia. The principal histological features of metanephric adenoma are the presence of small, uniform epithelial cells arranged into acini, which also form tubules as well as papillary structures within edematous stroma.
Fig.1 Histopathological analysis of Metanephric Adenoma (MA). (Hu X.,
et al., 2023)
Pathogenesis of Metanephric Adenoma (MA)
While the pathogenesis of MA remains elusive, recent genetic studies have offered considerable clarity. One of the most common genetic changes associated with MA is the BRAF V600E mutation, observed in about 80-90% of cases. This alteration triggers the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, resulting in enhanced cellular proliferation and differentiation. Other identified MA-associated alterations include mutations within NF1, NOTCH1, SPEN, AKT2, APC, ATRX, and ETV4. Some cases also exhibit novel fusion genes STARD9-BRAF, CUX1-BRAF, as well as LOC100507389-BRAF. It is posited that such genetic changes might endow MA with its relatively benign character due to activation of cell cycle arrest mechanisms like p16 (INK4α) upregulation.
Diagnostics Development for Metanephric Adenoma (MA)
- BRAF Mutation Testing: Considering the widespread occurrence of BRAF mutations in certain defined regions, diagnostic testing for BRAF V600E mutations (and of V600K to a lesser extent) has proven useful. Such testing can be performed via immunohistochemistry (IHC) with the use of the BRAF VE1 antibody or more sensitive techniques such as next-generation sequencing (NGS).
- Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): Using NGS facilitates in-depth genetic characterization of MA, capturing not only BRAF mutations but also additional somatic changes that may play a role in tumorigenesis.
Histopathological Diagnostics
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC): IHC staining for WT1, CD57, CK7, and AMACR can assist in the differential diagnosis of MA. MA characteristically expresses WT1 and CD57 but does not express CK7 or AMACR.
- Morphological Examination: The tumor tissue under microscopic evaluation displays distinctive acinar or papillary structures composed of small, uniform cells. However, these features may be shared with other renal tumors; therefore, a comprehensive diagnostic workup is essential.
Therapeutics Development for Metanephric Adenoma (MA)
- BRAF Inhibitors: BRAF inhibitors, such as vemurafenib, are effective for certain BRAF-mutated cancers. While they are not currently approved for use in MA, their adjunctive prospective application for MA—especially in situations where surgical intervention is impractical—requires more thorough evaluation.
- MEK Inhibitors: In light of the activated MAPK pathway in MA, there is potential for therapeutic utility in MEK inhibitors either alone or together with BRAF inhibitors.
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Immunotherapy's role in MA is still largely unexamined. Nevertheless, research on other renal tumors employing immune checkpoint inhibitors showcases their efficacy and suggests that such considerations for MA should not be overlooked for future research endeavors.
Table 1. Therapeutics of Metanephric Adenoma (MA).
| Therapeutics |
Target |
Description |
Stage |
| BRAF Inhibitors |
BRAF V600E |
Targeting the BRAF V600E mutation to inhibit tumor growth. |
Preclinical |
| Checkpoint Inhibitors |
Immune Checkpoints |
Enhancing the immune response against MA cells. |
Preclinical |
| MEK Inhibitors |
MEK |
Inhibiting the MAPK pathway to reduce tumor proliferation. |
Preclinical |
Disclaimer: Protheragen focuses on providing preclinical research services. This table is for information exchange purposes only. This table is not a treatment plan recommendation. For guidance on treatment options, please visit a regular hospital.
Our Services
At Protheragen, we are concerned with every aspect of the Mucinous Tubular and Spindle Cell Carcinoma (MTTSCC) At Protheragen, we apply our extensive knowledge in biology to assist in the development of Metanephric Adenoma diagnostics and, when appropriate, the preliminary research for possible therapeutic modalities. We provide a complete preclinical development service that incorporates thorough target identification and validation from advanced genomic and proteomic profiling to discover new MA-associated molecular signatures' biomarkers.
Disease Models
- Primary Cell Cultures
- Genetically Engineered Organoids
- Spontaneous Animal Models
- Induced Animal Models
- Xenograft Animal Models
- Genetically Engineered Animal Models
Protheragen's diagnostics and therapeutics development services for MA have multiple benefits. Along with having an experienced staff, we make sure that every service is executed with the utmost precision and care in the field. Accuracy in results is achieved through modern technologies and contemporary methodologies employed in the process. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to
contact us.
References
- Hu, Xianwen, et al. "Metanephric adenoma in children: A case report and literature review." Oncology Letters 26.5 (2023): 486.
- Rodríguez-Zarco, Enrique, et al. "Metanephric adenoma: molecular study and review of the literature." Oncotarget 13 (2022): 387.
- Ding, Ying, et al. "Novel clinicopathological and molecular characterization of metanephric adenoma: a study of 28 cases." Diagnostic Pathology 13 (2018): 1-14.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.
