Background MEX3A is an RNA-binding protein implicated in post-transcriptional regulation; however, its role across cancers, particularly in chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC), remains unclear. Methods We performed a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis using TCGA and related databases to evaluate MEX3A expression, prognostic significance, immune associations, genomic alterations, and drug sensitivity. Functional experiments were conducted in chRCC cell lines. Results MEX3A was significantly upregulated in multiple cancers and was associated with poor prognosis. Its expression correlated with immune cell infiltration, immune checkpoint molecules, tumor mutational burden, and microsatellite instability. High MEX3A expression was linked to reduced drug sensitivity. Functional assays confirmed its oncogenic role in chRCC. Conclusion MEX3A serves as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in chRCC and may play a critical role in tumor progression and immune regulation.
Wang et al. (2026) studied this question.