VHL and clear cell renal carcinoma: VHL is an established tumor suppressor that is frequently mutated in clear cell renal carcinoma (ccRCC) and functions by facilitating the degradation of HIF1α and pAkt (Guo et al., 2016; Ivan et al., 2001; Jaakkola et al., 2001; Maxwell et al., 1999; Min et al., 2002; Ohh et al., 2000).