Selenoprotein M stimulates the proliferative and metastatic capacities of renal cell carcinoma through activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

High‐throughput sequencing methods have facilitated the identification of novel selenoproteins, which exert a vital role in the development and progression of tumor diseases. Recently, Selenoprotein M (SELM) is upregulated in several types of cancer. However, the biological roles of SELM in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remain unclear. In this paper, quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT‐PCR) and Western blot were used to measure relative levels of SELM in a cohort of RCC tissues with matched normal tissues as well as human RCC cell lines. SELM expression was found to be upregulated in RCC. High level of SELM was related to poor prognosis of RCC. Furthermore, silence of SELM could inhibit the in vitro proliferative, migratory, and invasive capacities of RCC. In addition, downregulated SELM could impede in vivo tumorigenesis of RCC. SELM could activate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and mediate expressions of matrix metallopeptidase 2 and 9 (MMP2, MMP9). In conclusion, our study reveals the oncogenic function of SELM in RCC, and SELM may be a therapeutic and prognostic target for RCC. Selenoprotein M (SELM) has been found to be up‐regulated in several cancers. However, the biological roles of SELM in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains unclear. Our study reveals the oncogenic function of SELM in RCC, and SELM may be a molecular therapeutic target and an indicator of prognosis for the future treatment of RCC.