Epigenetics and testicular germ cell tumors

Malignant testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most frequent testicular cancers in Caucasian males, developing at the most productive age of man. We are briefly reviewing TGCT-tumorigenesis with an emphasis on epigenetics. Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation and histone modification...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Gene 2018-06, Vol.661, p.22-33
Main Authors: Buljubašić, Robert, Buljubašić, Maja, Bojanac, Ana Katušić, Ulamec, Monika, Vlahović, Maja, Ježek, Davor, Bulić-Jakuš, Floriana, Sinčić, Nino
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biomarker
Epimutation
Mutation
Testicular cancer
Therapy
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Summary:Malignant testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most frequent testicular cancers in Caucasian males, developing at the most productive age of man. We are briefly reviewing TGCT-tumorigenesis with an emphasis on epigenetics. Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation and histone modifications together with RNA interference that all change gene expression are driving early spermatogenesis. Deregulation of normal development might lead to a testicular germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS), from which TGCTs originate. The breakthrough epigenetic research, both in normal development and TGCT tumorigenesis, has been going on to find better biomarkers and therapy for this type of tumors. •TGCTs are of a strikingly rising importance in some populations of young males.•The prenatal origin of TGCTs is associated with both genetics and epigenetic cues.•Knowledge of TGCT-epigenetics is to provide new diagnostic and therapeutic options.
ISSN:0378-1119
1879-0038
DOI:10.1016/j.gene.2018.03.072