Identification of TGF-β-activated kinase 1 as a possible novel target for renal cell carcinoma intervention.

•Inhibition of TAK1 kinase activity suppresses NF-κB activation and RCC cell survival.•TAK1 inhibitors induces apoptotic cytotoxicity against RCC cells.•RCC cells with TAK1 depletion show reduced cell viability and increased apoptosis.•TAK1 and p-NF-κB are both over-expressed in human RCC tissues.•Inhibition or depletion of TAK1 enhances the activity of vinblastine sulfate.