Our data showed that in RCC cells, activation of the AMPK/mTOR signalling pathway by enhancing PLCL1 levels remarkably repressed cell proliferation and invasion and promoted apoptosis, whereas suppression of the AMPK/mTOR pathway by silencing PLCL1 contributed to reduced production of autophagosomes and enhanced cell growth. The gene discussed is PLCL1; the disease is renal cell carcinoma.