Accordingly, phylogenetic studies show how the tumorigenesis in the RCC follows an evolutionary model, ‘tree-like’: in the trunk lies the main mutation (e.g. the VHL gene in the clear cell tumor) that paves the way for tumorigenesis, and from the trunk, different subclonal mutations branch out, which contribute to tumor growth and progression. The gene discussed is VHL; the disease is renal cell carcinoma.