Using DNA microarray analysis and RT-PCR, several genes encoding tight junction proteins and vesicular transport-related proteins were shown to be differentially expressed between chromophobe renal cell carcinoma and oncocytoma, including MAL2, a gene that encodes a protein important in basolateral-to-apical transcytosis. As shown here, MAL2 is highly expressed in the apical cytoplasm of distal nephron cells. This expression, while retained in chromophobe renal cell carcinoma, is lost in oncocytoma. For further details, please see Rohan et al. on page 6937 of this issue.

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