Over 70% of RCCs are clear cell RCC (ccRCC) tumours characterised by loss of function of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumour suppressor with consequent unrestrained activation of hypoxia-inducible transcription factors (HIF), which in turn leads to the over-expression of genes that drive cell growth2,3. The gene discussed is VHL; the disease is nonpapillary renal cell carcinoma.