Although our study provides the first thorough characterisation of APLN/APLNR expression in renal cell carcinoma (especially in ccRCC as the dominant subtype) and its association with clinicopathological variables and outcome, functional studies, especially those related to the associated immune processes, were not within the scope of our project and warrant further investigations. The gene discussed is APLNR; the disease is hereditary clear cell renal cell carcinoma.