• PKD-related genes are significantly upregulated in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and correlate with poor patient prognosis.
• Knockdown of PKD-related genes inhibits RCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induces apoptosis.
• PKD-related genes exert their oncogenic effects via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
• PKD-related genes represent potential novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for RCC.