51
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Koster R, Chanock SJ. Hard Work Ahead: Fine Mapping and Functional Follow-up of Susceptibility Alleles in Cancer GWAS. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s40471-015-0049-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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52
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Lawaetz AC, Almstrup K. Involvement of epigenetic modifiers in the pathogenesis of testicular dysgenesis and germ cell cancer. Biomol Concepts 2015; 6:219-27. [DOI: 10.1515/bmc-2015-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractTesticular germ cell cancer manifests mainly in young adults as a seminoma or non-seminoma. The solid tumors are preceded by the presence of a non-invasive precursor cell, the carcinoma in situ cell (CIS), which shows great similarity to fetal germ cells. It is therefore hypothesized that the CIS cell is a fetal germ cell that has been arrested during development due to testicular dysgenesis. CIS cells retain a fetal and open chromatin structure, and recently several epigenetic modifiers have been suggested to be involved in testicular dysgenesis in mice. We here review the possible involvement of epigenetic modifiers with a focus on jumonji C enzymes in the development of testicular dysgenesis and germ cell cancer in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas C. Lawaetz
- 1University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Section GR-5064, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Almstrup
- 1University Department of Growth and Reproduction, Section GR-5064, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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53
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Shapiro-Kulnane L, Smolko AE, Salz HK. Maintenance of Drosophila germline stem cell sexual identity in oogenesis and tumorigenesis. Development 2015; 142:1073-82. [PMID: 25758221 DOI: 10.1242/dev.116590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Adult stem cells maintain tissue homeostasis by balancing self-renewal and differentiation. In Drosophila females, germline stem cells (GSCs) require Sex lethal (Sxl) to exit the stem cell state and to enter the differentiation pathway. Without Sxl GSCs do not differentiate and instead form tumors. Previous studies have shown that these tumors are not caused by a failure in the self-renewal/differentiation switch. Here, we show that Sxl is also necessary for the cell-autonomous maintenance of germ cell female identity and demonstrate that tumors are caused by the acquisition of male characteristics. Germ cells without Sxl protein exhibit a global derepression of testis genes, including Phf7, a male germline sexual identity gene. Phf7 is a key effector of the tumor-forming pathway, as it is both necessary and sufficient for tumor formation. In the absence of Sxl protein, inappropriate Phf7 expression drives tumor formation through a cell-autonomous mechanism that includes sex-inappropriate activation of Jak/Stat signaling. Remarkably, tumor formation requires a novel response to external signals emanating from the GSC niche, highlighting the importance of interactions between mutant cells and the surrounding normal cells that make up the tumor microenvironment. Derepression of testis genes, and inappropriate Phf7 expression, is also observed in germ cell tumors arising from the loss of bag of marbles (bam), demonstrating that maintenance of female sexual identity requires the concerted actions of Sxl and bam. Our work reveals that GSCs must maintain their sexual identity as they are reprogrammed into a differentiated cell, or risk tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Shapiro-Kulnane
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106-4955, USA
| | - Anne Elizabeth Smolko
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106-4955, USA
| | - Helen Karen Salz
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106-4955, USA
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McMaster ML, Heimdal KR, Loud JT, Bracci JS, Rosenberg PS, Greene MH. Nontesticular cancers in relatives of testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) patients from multiple-case TGCT families. Cancer Med 2015; 4:1069-78. [PMID: 25882629 PMCID: PMC4529345 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) exhibit striking familial aggregation that remains incompletely explained. To improve the phenotypic definition of familial TGCT (FTGCT), we studied an international cohort of multiple-case TGCT families to determine whether first-degree relatives of FTGCT cases are at increased risk of other types of cancer. We identified 1041 first-degree relatives of TGCT cases in 66 multiple-case TGCT families from Norway and 64 from the United States (combined follow-up of 31,556 person-years). We collected data on all cancers (except nonmelanoma skin cancers) reported by the family informant in these relatives, and we attempted to verify all reported cancer diagnoses through medical or cancer registry records. We calculated observed-to-expected (O/E) standardized incidence ratios, together with 95% confidence intervals (CI), for invasive cancers other than TGCT. We found no increase in risk of cancer overall (Norway O/E = 0.8; 95% CI: 0.6–1.1 and United States O/E = 0.9; 95% CI: 0.7–1.3). Site-specific analyses pooled across the two countries revealed a leukemia excess (O/E = 6.5; 95% CI: 3.0–12.3), deficit of female breast cancer (O/E = 0.0; 95% CI: 0.0–0.6) and increased risk of soft tissue sarcoma (O/E = 7.2; 95% CI: 2.0–18.4); in all instances, these results were based on small case numbers and statistically significant only in Norway. While limited by sample size and potential issues relating to completeness of cancer reporting, this study in multiple-case TGCT families does not support the hypothesis that cancers other than testis cancer contribute to the FTGCT phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary L McMaster
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892-9769.,Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Ketil R Heimdal
- Section for Clinical Genetics, Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jennifer T Loud
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892-9769
| | | | - Philip S Rosenberg
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892-9769
| | - Mark H Greene
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892-9769
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55
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Kristiansen W, Karlsson R, Rounge TB, Whitington T, Andreassen BK, Magnusson PK, Fossa SD, Adami HO, Turnbull C, Haugen TB, Grotmol T, Wiklund F. Two new loci and gene sets related to sex determination and cancer progression are associated with susceptibility to testicular germ cell tumor. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:4138-46. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Rijlaarsdam MA, Tax DMJ, Gillis AJM, Dorssers LCJ, Koestler DC, de Ridder J, Looijenga LHJ. Genome wide DNA methylation profiles provide clues to the origin and pathogenesis of germ cell tumors. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0122146. [PMID: 25859847 PMCID: PMC4479500 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The cell of origin of the five subtypes (I-V) of germ cell tumors (GCTs) are assumed to be germ cells from different maturation stages. This is (potentially) reflected in their methylation status as fetal maturing primordial germ cells are globally demethylated during migration from the yolk sac to the gonad. Imprinted regions are erased in the gonad and later become uniparentally imprinted according to fetal sex. Here, 91 GCTs (type I-IV) and four cell lines were profiled (Illumina’s HumanMethylation450BeadChip). Data was pre-processed controlling for cross hybridization, SNPs, detection rate, probe-type bias and batch effects. The annotation was extended, covering snRNAs/microRNAs, repeat elements and imprinted regions. A Hidden Markov Model-based genome segmentation was devised to identify differentially methylated genomic regions. Methylation profiles allowed for separation of clusters of non-seminomas (type II), seminomas/dysgerminomas (type II), spermatocytic seminomas (type III) and teratomas/dermoid cysts (type I/IV). The seminomas, dysgerminomas and spermatocytic seminomas were globally hypomethylated, in line with previous reports and their demethylated precursor. Differential methylation and imprinting status between subtypes reflected their presumed cell of origin. Ovarian type I teratomas and dermoid cysts showed (partial) sex specific uniparental maternal imprinting. The spermatocytic seminomas showed uniparental paternal imprinting while testicular teratomas exhibited partial imprinting erasure. Somatic imprinting in type II GCTs might indicate a cell of origin after global demethylation but before imprinting erasure. This is earlier than previously described, but agrees with the totipotent/embryonic stem cell like potential of type II GCTs and their rare extra-gonadal localization. The results support the common origin of the type I teratomas and show strong similarity between ovarian type I teratomas and dermoid cysts. In conclusion, we identified specific and global methylation differences between GCT subtypes, providing insight into their developmental timing and underlying developmental biology. Data and extended annotation are deposited at GEO (GSE58538 and GPL18809).
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin A. Rijlaarsdam
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute—University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David M. J. Tax
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science Intelligent Systems—Delft Bioinformatics Lab, Technical University of Delft, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Ad J. M. Gillis
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute—University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lambert C. J. Dorssers
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute—University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Devin C. Koestler
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, United States of America
| | - Jeroen de Ridder
- Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science Intelligent Systems—Delft Bioinformatics Lab, Technical University of Delft, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Leendert H. J. Looijenga
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute—University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Litchfield K, Sultana R, Renwick A, Dudakia D, Seal S, Ramsay E, Powell S, Elliott A, Warren-Perry M, Eeles R, Peto J, Kote-Jarai Z, Muir K, Nsengimana J, Stratton MR, Easton DF, Bishop DT, Huddart RA, Rahman N, Turnbull C. Multi-stage genome-wide association study identifies new susceptibility locus for testicular germ cell tumour on chromosome 3q25. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:1169-76. [PMID: 25281660 PMCID: PMC4375409 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and subsequent meta-analyses have identified over 25 SNPs at 18 loci, together accounting for >15% of the genetic susceptibility to testicular germ cell tumour (TGCT). To identify further common SNPs associated with TGCT, here we report a three-stage experiment, involving 4098 cases and 18 972 controls. Stage 1 comprised previously published GWAS analysis of 307 291 SNPs in 986 cases and 4946 controls. In Stage 2, we used previously published customised Illumina iSelect genotyping array (iCOGs) data across 694 SNPs in 1064 cases and 10 082 controls. Here, we report new genotyping of eight SNPs showing some evidence of association in combined analysis of Stage 1 and Stage 2 in an additional 2048 cases of TGCT and 3944 controls (Stage 3). Through fixed-effects meta-analysis across three stages, we identified a novel locus at 3q25.31 (rs1510272) demonstrating association with TGCT [per-allele odds ratio (OR) = 1.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06-1.27; P = 1.2 × 10(-9)].
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Litchfield
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Razvan Sultana
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Anthony Renwick
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Darshna Dudakia
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Sheila Seal
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Emma Ramsay
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Silvana Powell
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Anna Elliott
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | | | - Rosalind Eeles
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Julian Peto
- Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology Department, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Zsofia Kote-Jarai
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Kenneth Muir
- Institute of Population Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Jeremie Nsengimana
- Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Douglas F Easton
- Genetic Epidemiology Unit, Strangeways Research Laboratory, Cancer Research UK, Cambridge, UK and
| | - D Timothy Bishop
- Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Leeds Institute of Cancer and Pathology, Leeds, UK
| | - Robert A Huddart
- Academic Radiotherapy Unit, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Nazneen Rahman
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Clare Turnbull
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK,
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58
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Litchfield K, Shipley J, Turnbull C. Common variants identified in genome-wide association studies of testicular germ cell tumour: an update, biological insights and clinical application. Andrology 2015; 3:34-46. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Revised: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- K. Litchfield
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology; The Institute of Cancer Research; London UK
| | - J. Shipley
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics; The Institute of Cancer Research; London UK
| | - C. Turnbull
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology; The Institute of Cancer Research; London UK
- Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust; London UK
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59
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Stukenborg JB, Kjartansdóttir KR, Reda A, Colon E, Albersmeier JP, Söder O. Male germ cell development in humans. Horm Res Paediatr 2015; 81:2-12. [PMID: 24356336 DOI: 10.1159/000355599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Germ cells are unique cells that possess the ability to transmit genetic information between generations. Detailed knowledge about the molecular and cellular mechanisms determining the fate of human male germ cells still remains sparse. This is partially due to ethical issues limiting the access to research material. Therefore, the mechanisms of proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of human male germ cells still remain challenging study objectives. METHODS This review focuses on using English articles accessible in PubMed as well as personal files on the current knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms connected with human testicular germ cell development, maturation failure and the possibility of fertility preservation in patients in whom there is a risk of gonadal failure. However, since rodents, particularly mice, offer the possibility of studying germ cell development by use of genetic modification techniques, some studies using animal models are also discussed. CONCLUSION This mini review focuses on the current knowledge about male germ cells. However, the reader is referred to two previous mini reviews focusing on testicular somatic cells, i.e. on Sertoli cells and Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Bernd Stukenborg
- Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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60
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Koster R, Mitra N, D'Andrea K, Vardhanabhuti S, Chung CC, Wang Z, Loren Erickson R, Vaughn DJ, Litchfield K, Rahman N, Greene MH, McGlynn KA, Turnbull C, Chanock SJ, Nathanson KL, Kanetsky PA. Pathway-based analysis of GWAs data identifies association of sex determination genes with susceptibility to testicular germ cell tumors. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 23:6061-8. [PMID: 24943593 PMCID: PMC4204765 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2013] [Revised: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 06/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association (GWA) studies of testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) have identified 18 susceptibility loci, some containing genes encoding proteins important in male germ cell development. Deletions of one of these genes, DMRT1, lead to male-to-female sex reversal and are associated with development of gonadoblastoma. To further explore genetic association with TGCT, we undertook a pathway-based analysis of SNP marker associations in the Penn GWAs (349 TGCT cases and 919 controls). We analyzed a custom-built sex determination gene set consisting of 32 genes using three different methods of pathway-based analysis. The sex determination gene set ranked highly compared with canonical gene sets, and it was associated with TGCT (FDRG = 2.28 × 10(-5), FDRM = 0.014 and FDRI = 0.008 for Gene Set Analysis-SNP (GSA-SNP), Meta-Analysis Gene Set Enrichment of Variant Associations (MAGENTA) and Improved Gene Set Enrichment Analysis for Genome-wide Association Study (i-GSEA4GWAS) analysis, respectively). The association remained after removal of DMRT1 from the gene set (FDRG = 0.0002, FDRM = 0.055 and FDRI = 0.009). Using data from the NCI GWA scan (582 TGCT cases and 1056 controls) and UK scan (986 TGCT cases and 4946 controls), we replicated these findings (NCI: FDRG = 0.006, FDRM = 0.014, FDRI = 0.033, and UK: FDRG = 1.04 × 10(-6), FDRM = 0.016, FDRI = 0.025). After removal of DMRT1 from the gene set, the sex determination gene set remains associated with TGCT in the NCI (FDRG = 0.039, FDRM = 0.050 and FDRI = 0.055) and UK scans (FDRG = 3.00 × 10(-5), FDRM = 0.056 and FDRI = 0.044). With the exception of DMRT1, genes in the sex determination gene set have not previously been identified as TGCT susceptibility loci in these GWA scans, demonstrating the complementary nature of a pathway-based approach for genome-wide analysis of TGCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roelof Koster
- Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Department of Medicine
| | | | - Kurt D'Andrea
- Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Department of Medicine
| | | | - Charles C Chung
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Department of Health and Human Services,National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Zhaoming Wang
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Department of Health and Human Services,National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA, Cancer Genome Research Laboratory, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., NCI-Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - R Loren Erickson
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, USA and
| | - David J Vaughn
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine and, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kevin Litchfield
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, UK
| | - Nazneen Rahman
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, UK
| | - Mark H Greene
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Department of Health and Human Services,National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Katherine A McGlynn
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Department of Health and Human Services,National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Clare Turnbull
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, UK
| | - Stephen J Chanock
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Department of Health and Human Services,National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Katherine L Nathanson
- Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Department of Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peter A Kanetsky
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA,
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61
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Kratz CP, Edelman DC, Wang Y, Meltzer PS, Greene MH. Genetic and epigenetic analysis of monozygotic twins discordant for testicular cancer. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GENETICS 2014; 5:135-139. [PMID: 25379132 PMCID: PMC4214260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite the notion that monozygotic (identical) twins share 100% identical genetic information, genetic differences among monozygotic twin pairs do occur and can be explained by mechanisms occurring during post-zygotic events. Despite such twins being fundamentally "identical", these post-zygotic genetic changes may give rise to phenotypic differences and genetic diseases. Consequently, studies of monozygotic twin pairs discordant for specific genetic diseases represent an important tool for the identification of disease genes. We used array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and methylation arrays to search for genetic and epigenetic differences in blood drawn from four monozygotic twin pairs discordant for testicular germ cell tumors. No consistent differences were identified. A larger twin study would be required to achieve confident discovery of very subtle differences between monozygotic twins discordant for testicular germ cell tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian P Kratz
- Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human ServicesRockville, Maryland, USA
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Hannover Medical SchoolHannover, Germany
| | - Daniel C Edelman
- Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human ServicesBethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yonghong Wang
- Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human ServicesBethesda, MD, USA
| | - Paul S Meltzer
- Genetics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human ServicesBethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mark H Greene
- Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human ServicesRockville, Maryland, USA
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Greene MH, Mai PL, Loud JT, Pathak A, Peters JA, Mirabello L, McMaster ML, Rosenberg P, Stewart DR. Familial testicular germ cell tumors (FTGCT) - overview of a multidisciplinary etiologic study. Andrology 2014; 3:47-58. [PMID: 25303766 DOI: 10.1111/andr.294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Revised: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 09/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This Review summarizes the cumulative results of the National Cancer Institute Clinical Genetics Branch Multidisciplinary Etiologic Study of Familial Testicular Germ Cell Tumors (FTGCT). Initiated 12 years ago, this protocol enrolled 724 subjects from 147 unrelated families with either ≥2 affected men (n = 90) with TGCT or a proband with bilateral TGCT and a negative family history for this cancer (n = 57). Data were collected directly from 162 subjects evaluated at the NIH Clinical Center, and 562 subjects provided information from their home communities (Field Cohort). The primary study aims included (i) ascertaining, enrolling eligible FTGCT kindred, (ii) characterizing the clinical phenotype of multiple-case families, (iii) identifying the underlying genetic mechanism for TGCT susceptibility in families, (iv) evaluating counseling, psychosocial, and behavioral issues resulting from membership in an FTGCT family, and (v) creating an annotated biospecimen repository to permit subsequent translational research studies. Noteworthy findings include (i) documenting the epidemiologic similarities between familial and sporadic TGCT, (ii) demonstrating significantly younger age-at-diagnosis for familial vs. sporadic TGCT, (iii) absence of a dysmorphic phenotype in affected family members, (iv) shifting the focus of gene discovery from a search for rare, highly penetrant susceptibility variants to the hypothesis that multiple, more common, lower penetrance genes underlie TGCT genetic risk, (v) implicating testicular microlithiasis in FTGCT risk, and (vi) observing that aberrant methylation may contribute to FTGCT risk. A clinically based, biospecimen-intensive, multidisciplinary research strategy has provided novel, valuable insights into the etiology of FTGCT, and created a research resource which will support FTGCT clinical and laboratory studies for years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- M H Greene
- Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
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63
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Wang X, Oldani MJ, Zhao X, Huang X, Qian D. A review of cancer risk prediction models with genetic variants. Cancer Inform 2014; 13:19-28. [PMID: 25288876 PMCID: PMC4179686 DOI: 10.4137/cin.s13788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer risk prediction models are important in identifying individuals at high risk of developing cancer, which could result in targeted screening and interventions to maximize the treatment benefit and minimize the burden of cancer. The cancer-associated genetic variants identified in genome-wide or candidate gene association studies have been shown to collectively enhance cancer risk prediction, improve our understanding of carcinogenesis, and possibly result in the development of targeted treatments for patients. In this article, we review the cancer risk prediction models that have been developed for popular cancers and assess their applicability, strengths, and weaknesses. We also discuss the factors to be considered for future development and improvement of models for cancer risk prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuexia Wang
- Joseph J. Zilber School of Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Michael J Oldani
- Criminology and Anthropology Department, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Whitewater, WI, USA
| | - Xingwang Zhao
- Joseph J. Zilber School of Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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64
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Svechnikov K, Stukenborg JB, Savchuck I, Söder O. Similar causes of various reproductive disorders in early life. Asian J Androl 2014; 16:50-9. [PMID: 24369133 PMCID: PMC3901882 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.122199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
During the past few decades, scientific evidence has been accumulated concerning the possible adverse effects of the exposure to environmental chemicals on the well-being of wildlife and human populations. One large and growing group of such compounds of anthropogenic or natural origin is referred to as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), due to their deleterious action on the endocrine system. This concern was first focused on the control of reproductive function particularly in males, but has later been expanded to include all possible endocrine functions. The present review describes the underlying physiology behind the cascade of developmental events that occur during sexual differentiation of males and the specific role of androgen in the masculinization process and proper organogenesis of the external male genitalia. The impact of the genetic background, environmental exposures and lifestyle factors in the etiology of hypospadias, cryptorchidism and testicular cancer are reviewed and the possible role of EDCs in the development of these reproductive disorders is discussed critically. Finally, the possible direct and programming effects of exposures in utero to widely use therapeutic compounds, environmental estrogens and other chemicals on the incidence of reproductive abnormalities and poor semen quality in humans are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Olle Söder
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Paediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Rijlaarsdam MA, Looijenga LHJ. An oncofetal and developmental perspective on testicular germ cell cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2014; 29:59-74. [PMID: 25066859 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Germ cell tumors (GCTs) represent a diverse group of tumors presumably originating from (early fetal) developing germ cells. Most frequent are the testicular germ cell cancers (TGCC). Overall, TGCC is the most frequent malignancy in Caucasian males (20-40 years) and remains an important cause of (treatment related) mortality in these young men. The strong association between the phenotype of TGCC stem cell components and their totipotent ancestor (fetal primordial germ cell or gonocyte) makes these tumors highly relevant from an onco-fetal point of view. This review subsequently discusses the evidence for the early embryonic origin of TGCCs, followed by an overview of the crucial association between TGCC pathogenesis, genetics, environmental exposure and the (fetal) testicular micro-environment (genvironment). This culminates in an evaluation of three genvironmentally modulated hallmarks of TGCC directly related to the oncofetal pathogenesis of TGCC: (1) maintenance of pluripotency, (2) cell cycle control/cisplatin sensitivity and (3) regulation of proliferation/migration/apoptosis by KIT-KITL mediated receptor tyrosine kinase signaling. Briefly, TGCC exhibit identifiable stem cell components (seminoma and embryonal carcinoma) and progenitors that show large and consistent similarities to primordial/embryonic germ cells, their presumed totipotent cells of origin. TGCC pathogenesis depends crucially on a complex interaction of genetic and (micro-)environmental, i.e. genvironmental risk factors that have only been partly elucidated despite significant effort. TGCC stem cell components also show a high degree of similarity with embryonic stem/germ cells (ES) in the regulation of pluripotency and cell cycle control, directly related to their exquisite sensitivity to DNA damaging agents (e.g. cisplatin). Of note, (ES specific) micro-RNAs play a pivotal role in the crossover between cell cycle control, pluripotency and chemosensitivity. Moreover, multiple consistent observations reported TGCC to be associated with KIT-KITL mediated receptor tyrosine kinase signaling, a pathway crucially implicated in proliferation, migration and survival during embryogenesis including germ cell development. In conclusion, TGCCs are a fascinating model for onco-fetal developmental processes especially with regard to studying cell cycle control, pluripotency maintenance and KIT-KITL signaling. The knowledge presented here contributes to better understanding of the molecular characteristics of TGCC pathogenesis, translating to identification of at risk individuals and enhanced quality of care for TGCC patients (diagnosis, treatment and follow-up).
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin A Rijlaarsdam
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leendert H J Looijenga
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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van der Zwan YG, Rijlaarsdam MA, Rossello FJ, Notini AJ, de Boer S, Watkins DN, Gillis AJM, Dorssers LCJ, White SJ, Looijenga LHJ. Seminoma and embryonal carcinoma footprints identified by analysis of integrated genome-wide epigenetic and expression profiles of germ cell cancer cell lines. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98330. [PMID: 24887064 PMCID: PMC4041891 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 04/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Originating from Primordial Germ Cells/gonocytes and developing via a precursor lesion called Carcinoma In Situ (CIS), Germ Cell Cancers (GCC) are the most common cancer in young men, subdivided in seminoma (SE) and non-seminoma (NS). During physiological germ cell formation/maturation, epigenetic processes guard homeostasis by regulating the accessibility of the DNA to facilitate transcription. Epigenetic deregulation through genetic and environmental parameters (i.e. genvironment) could disrupt embryonic germ cell development, resulting in delayed or blocked maturation. This potentially facilitates the formation of CIS and progression to invasive GCC. Therefore, determining the epigenetic and functional genomic landscape in GCC cell lines could provide insight into the pathophysiology and etiology of GCC and provide guidance for targeted functional experiments. Results This study aims at identifying epigenetic footprints in SE and EC cell lines in genome-wide profiles by studying the interaction between gene expression, DNA CpG methylation and histone modifications, and their function in the pathophysiology and etiology of GCC. Two well characterized GCC-derived cell lines were compared, one representative for SE (TCam-2) and the other for EC (NCCIT). Data were acquired using the Illumina HumanHT-12-v4 (gene expression) and HumanMethylation450 BeadChip (methylation) microarrays as well as ChIP-sequencing (activating histone modifications (H3K4me3, H3K27ac)). Results indicate known germ cell markers not only to be differentiating between SE and NS at the expression level, but also in the epigenetic landscape. Conclusion The overall similarity between TCam-2/NCCIT support an erased embryonic germ cell arrested in early gonadal development as common cell of origin although the exact developmental stage from which the tumor cells are derived might differ. Indeed, subtle difference in the (integrated) epigenetic and expression profiles indicate TCam-2 to exhibit a more germ cell-like profile, whereas NCCIT shows a more pluripotent phenotype. The results provide insight into the functional genome in GCC cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne G. van der Zwan
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martin A. Rijlaarsdam
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fernando J. Rossello
- Centre for Cancer Research, MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amanda J. Notini
- Centre for Genetic Diseases, MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Suzan de Boer
- Centre for Genetic Diseases, MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - D. Neil Watkins
- Centre for Cancer Research, MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ad J. M. Gillis
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lambert C. J. Dorssers
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan J. White
- Centre for Genetic Diseases, MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Leendert H. J. Looijenga
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Dietrich D, Meller S, Uhl B, Ralla B, Stephan C, Jung K, Ellinger J, Kristiansen G. Nucleic acid-based tissue biomarkers of urologic malignancies. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2014; 51:173-99. [DOI: 10.3109/10408363.2014.906130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Tumor loci and their interactions on mouse chromosome 19 that contribute to testicular germ cell tumors. BMC Genet 2014; 15:65. [PMID: 24886204 PMCID: PMC4053281 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2156-15-65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complex genetic factors underlie testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) development. One experimental approach to dissect the genetics of TGCT predisposition is to use chromosome substitution strains, such as the 129.MOLF-Chr 19 (M19). M19 carries chromosome (Chr) 19 from the MOLF whereas all other chromosomes are from the 129 strain. 71% of M19 males develop TGCTs in contrast to 5% in 129 strain. To identify and map tumor loci from M19 we generated congenic strains harboring MOLF chromosome 19 segments on 129 strain background and monitored their TGCT incidence. RESULTS We found 3 congenic strains that each harbored tumor promoting loci that had high (14%-32%) whereas 2 other congenics had low (4%) TGCT incidences. To determine how multiple loci influence TGCT development, we created double and triple congenic strains. We found additive interactions were predominant when 2 loci were combined in double congenic strains. Surprisingly, we found an example where 2 loci, both which do not contribute significantly to TGCT, when combined in a double congenic strain resulted in greater than expected TGCT incidence (positive interaction). In an opposite example, when 2 loci with high TGCT incidences were combined, males of the double congenic showed lower than expected TGCT incidence (negative interaction). For the triple congenic strain, depending on the analysis, the overall TGCT incidence could be additive or could also be due to a positive interaction of one region with others. Additionally, we identified loci that promote bilateral tumors or testicular abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS The congenic strains each with their characteristic TGCT incidences, laterality of tumors and incidence of testicular abnormalities, are useful for identification of TGCT susceptibility modifier genes that map to Chr 19 and also for studies on the genetic and environmental causes of TGCT development. TGCTs are a consequence of aberrant germ cell and testis development. By defining predisposing loci and some of the locus interactions from M19, this study further advances our understanding of the complex genetics of TGCTs, which is the most common cancer in young human males.
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Genetic polymorphisms of TERT and CLPTM1L and risk of lung cancer: a case-control study in northeast Chinese male population. Med Oncol 2014; 31:18. [PMID: 24861918 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-014-0018-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Recently, some genome-wide association studies have implicated telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and cleft lip and palate transmembrane 1-like gene (CLPTM1L) in lung cancer development. Here, we present a case-control study that evaluates the genetic effects of TERT-rs2736098 and CLPTM1L-rs401681 variants on the risk of lung cancer development in a Chinese male population. We found that the homozygous variant genetic model of the TERT gene was associated with a significantly increased risk of lung cancer with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 1.988. The TERT-rs2736098 T allele was also associated with increased lung cancer risk both in adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. No association was found between CLPTM1L-rs401681 and lung cancer risk. However, the joint effect of TERT and CLPTM1L variants increased the risk of lung cancer, especially squamous cell carcinoma, with an adjusted OR of 3.274. However, the exact functional effect of these two variant genes remains unclear, and further investigation is needed in the future.
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Lambeth LS, Raymond CS, Roeszler KN, Kuroiwa A, Nakata T, Zarkower D, Smith CA. Over-expression of DMRT1 induces the male pathway in embryonic chicken gonads. Dev Biol 2014; 389:160-72. [PMID: 24576538 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Revised: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
DMRT1 encodes a conserved transcription factor with an essential role in gonadal function. In the chicken, DMRT1 in located on the Z sex chromosome and is currently the best candidate master regulator of avian gonadal sex differentiation. We previously showed that knockdown of DMRT1 expression during the period of sexual differentiation induces feminisation of male embryonic chicken gonads. This gene is therefore necessary for proper testis development in the chicken. However, whether it is sufficient to induce testicular differentiation has remained unresolved. We show here that over-expression of DMRT1 induces male pathway genes and antagonises the female pathway in embryonic chicken gonads. Ectopic DMRT1 expression in female gonads induces localised SOX9 and AMH expression. It also induces expression of the recently identified Z-linked male factor, Hemogen (HEMGN). Masculinised gonads show evidence of cord-like structures and retarded female-type cortical development. Furthermore, expression of the critical feminising enzyme, aromatase, is reduced in the presence of over-expressed DMRT1. These data indicate that DMRT1 is an essential sex-linked regulator of gonadal differentiation in avians, and that it likely acts via a dosage mechanism established through the lack of global Z dosage compensation in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke S Lambeth
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children׳s Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Poultry Cooperative Research Centre, Armidale, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher S Raymond
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, USA
| | - Kelly N Roeszler
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children׳s Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Asato Kuroiwa
- Laboratory of Animal Cytogenetics, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Nakata
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-0810, Japan
| | - David Zarkower
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, USA
| | - Craig A Smith
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children׳s Hospital, Flemington Road, Parkville, Melbourne, Victoria 3052, Australia; Poultry Cooperative Research Centre, Armidale, NSW, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Zoology, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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Mueller CM, Korde LA, McMaster ML, Peters JA, Bratslavsky G, Watkins RJ, Ling A, Kratz CP, Wulfsberg EA, Rosenberg PS, Greene MH. Familial testicular germ cell tumor: no associated syndromic pattern identified. Hered Cancer Clin Pract 2014; 12:3. [PMID: 24559313 PMCID: PMC3937045 DOI: 10.1186/1897-4287-12-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) is the most common malignancy in young men. Familial clustering, epidemiologic evidence of increased risk with family or personal history, and the association of TGCT with genitourinary (GU) tract anomalies have suggested an underlying genetic predisposition. Linkage data have not identified a rare, highly-penetrant, single gene in familial TGCT (FTGCT) cases. Based on its association with congenital GU tract anomalies and suggestions that there is an intrauterine origin to TGCT, we hypothesized the existence of unrecognized dysmorphic features in FTGCT. Methods We evaluated 38 FTGCT individuals and 41 first-degree relatives from 22 multiple-case families with detailed dysmorphology examinations, physician-based medical history and physical examination, laboratory testing, and genitourinary imaging studies. Results The prevalence of major abnormalities and minor variants did not significantly differ between either FTGCT individuals or their first-degree relatives when compared with normal population controls, except for tall stature, macrocephaly, flat midface, and retro-/micrognathia. However, these four traits were not manifest as a constellation of features in any one individual or family. We did detect an excess prevalence of the genitourinary anomalies cryptorchidism and congenital inguinal hernia in our population, as previously described in sporadic TGCT, but no congenital renal, retroperitoneal or mediastinal anomalies were detected. Conclusions Overall, our study did not identify a constellation of dysmorphic features in FTGCT individuals, which is consistent with results of genetic studies suggesting that multiple low-penetrance genes are likely responsible for FTGCT susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mark H Greene
- Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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72
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Testicular cancer: biology and biomarkers. Virchows Arch 2014; 464:301-13. [DOI: 10.1007/s00428-013-1522-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2013] [Accepted: 11/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Feng CW, Bowles J, Koopman P. Control of mammalian germ cell entry into meiosis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 382:488-497. [PMID: 24076097 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2013] [Revised: 08/24/2013] [Accepted: 09/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Germ cells are unique in undergoing meiosis to generate oocytes and sperm. In mammals, meiosis onset is before birth in females, or at puberty in males, and recent studies have uncovered several regulatory steps involved in initiating meiosis in each sex. Evidence suggests that retinoic acid (RA) induces expression of the critical pre-meiosis gene Stra8 in germ cells of the fetal ovary, pubertal testis and adult testis. In the fetal testis, CYP26B1 degrades RA, while FGF9 further antagonises RA signalling to suppress meiosis. Failsafe mechanisms involving Nanos2 may further suppress meiosis in the fetal testis. Here, we draw together the growing knowledge relating to these meiotic control mechanisms, and present evidence that they are co-ordinately regulated and that additional factors remain to be identified. Understanding this regulatory network will illuminate not only how the foundations of mammalian reproduction are laid, but also how mis-regulation of these steps can result in infertility or germline tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Wei Feng
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Josephine Bowles
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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Genome-wide association studies of cancer predisposition. Mol Oncol 2013. [DOI: 10.1017/cbo9781139046947.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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Bellefroid EJ, Leclère L, Saulnier A, Keruzore M, Sirakov M, Vervoort M, De Clercq S. Expanding roles for the evolutionarily conserved Dmrt sex transcriptional regulators during embryogenesis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2013; 70:3829-45. [PMID: 23463235 PMCID: PMC11113232 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1288-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2012] [Revised: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Dmrt genes encode a large family of transcription factors characterized by the presence of a DM domain, an unusual zinc finger DNA binding domain. While Dmrt genes are well known for their important role in sexual development in arthropodes, nematodes and vertebrates, several new findings indicate emerging functions of this gene family in other developmental processes. Here, we provide an overview of the evolution, structure and mechanisms of action of Dmrt genes. We summarize recent findings on their function in sexual regulation and discuss more extensively the role played by these proteins in somitogenesis and neural development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Bellefroid
- Laboratoire de Génétique du Développement, Institut de Biologie et de Médecine Moléculaires (IBMM), Université Libre de Bruxelles, rue des Profs. Jeener et Brachet 12, 6041, Gosselies, Belgium,
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Quinonez SC, Park JM, Rabah R, Owens KM, Yashar BM, Glover TW, Keegan CE. 9p partial monosomy and disorders of sex development: Review and postulation of a pathogenetic mechanism. Am J Med Genet A 2013; 161A:1882-96. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.36018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shane C. Quinonez
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor; Michigan
| | - John M. Park
- Department of Urology; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor; Michigan
| | - Raja Rabah
- Department of Pathology; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor; Michigan
| | - Kailey M. Owens
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor; Michigan
| | - Beverly M. Yashar
- Department of Human Genetics; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor; Michigan
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Zechel JL, Doerner SK, Lager A, Tesar PJ, Heaney JD, Nadeau JH. Contrasting effects of Deadend1 (Dnd1) gain and loss of function mutations on allelic inheritance, testicular cancer, and intestinal polyposis. BMC Genet 2013; 14:54. [PMID: 23773267 PMCID: PMC3693958 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2156-14-54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Certain mutations in the Deadend1 (Dnd1) gene are the most potent modifiers of testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) susceptibility in mice and rats. In the 129 family of mice, the Dnd1Ter mutation significantly increases occurrence of TGCT-affected males. To test the hypothesis that he Dnd1Ter allele is a loss-of-function mutation; we characterized the consequences of a genetically-engineered loss-of-function mutation in mice, and compared these results with those for Dnd1Ter. Results We found that intercrossing Dnd1+/KO heterozygotes to generate a complete loss-of-function led to absence of Dnd1KO/KO homozygotes and significantly reduced numbers of Dnd1+/KO heterozygotes. Further crosses showed that Dnd1Ter partially rescues loss of Dnd1KO mice. We also found that loss of a single copy of Dnd1 in Dnd1KO/+ heterozygotes did not affect baseline occurrence of TGCT-affected males and that Dnd1Ter increased TGCT risk regardless whether the alternative allele was loss-of-function (Dnd1KO) or wild-type (Dnd1+). Finally, we found that the action of Dnd1Ter was not limited to testicular cancer, but also significantly increased polyp number and burden in the Apc+/Min model of intestinal polyposis. Conclusion These results show that Dnd1 is essential for normal allelic inheritance and that Dnd1Ter has a novel combination of functions that significantly increase risk for both testicular and intestinal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Zechel
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland OH 44106, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To discuss several important developments in the diagnosis, management, and risk stratification of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) in the past year. RECENT FINDINGS Germ cell function and tumorigenesis may be influenced by exposure to a variety of agents, including metals and cannabinoids. Genome-wide association studies have identified variants in several genes that may produce susceptibility to the development of testicular malignancies, and expression of certain proteins predicts a poorer prognosis and may, thus, play a role in neoplastic progression. Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection continues to play a crucial role in definitive treatment of patients with nonseminoma germ cell tumor, whereas radiotherapy, as a standard treatment for early-stage seminoma, has been declining due both to the efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy and to the increased risk of radiation-related secondary malignancies. Advanced and platinum-refractory disease states continue to be challenging entities in terms of optimizing therapy and outcome. SUMMARY Preclinical and clinical studies continue to enhance our insights into the complex biology of TGCTs, and are helping to further refine risk stratification and optimize treatment of patients with TGCTs.
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Ruark E, Seal S, McDonald H, Zhang F, Elliot A, Lau K, Perdeaux E, Rapley E, Eeles R, Peto J, Kote-Jarai Z, Muir K, Nsengimana J, Shipley J, Bishop DT, Stratton MR, Easton DF, Huddart RA, Rahman N, Turnbull C. Identification of nine new susceptibility loci for testicular cancer, including variants near DAZL and PRDM14. Nat Genet 2013; 45:686-9. [PMID: 23666240 PMCID: PMC3680037 DOI: 10.1038/ng.2635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) is the most common cancer in young men and is notable for its high familial risks. So far, six loci associated with TGCT have been reported. From genome-wide association study (GWAS) analysis of 307,291 SNPs in 986 TGCT cases and 4,946 controls, we selected for follow-up 694 SNPs, which we genotyped in a further 1,064 TGCT cases and 10,082 controls from the UK. We identified SNPs at nine new loci (1q22, 1q24.1, 3p24.3, 4q24, 5q31.1, 8q13.3, 16q12.1, 17q22 and 21q22.3) showing association with TGCT (P < 5 × 10(-8)), which together account for an additional 4-6% of the familial risk of TGCT. The loci include genes plausibly related to TGCT development. PRDM14, at 8q13.3, is essential for early germ cell specification, and DAZL, at 3p24.3, is required for the regulation of germ cell development. Furthermore, PITX1, at 5q31.1, regulates TERT expression and is the third TGCT-associated locus implicated in telomerase regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Ruark
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
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Chung CC, Kanetsky PA, Wang Z, Hildebrandt MAT, Koster R, Skotheim RI, Kratz CP, Turnbull C, Cortessis VK, Bakken AC, Bishop DT, Cook MB, Erickson RL, Fosså SD, Jacobs KB, Korde LA, Kraggerud SM, Lothe RA, Loud JT, Rahman N, Skinner EC, Thomas DC, Wu X, Yeager M, Schumacher FR, Greene MH, Schwartz SM, McGlynn KA, Chanock SJ, Nathanson KL. Meta-analysis identifies four new loci associated with testicular germ cell tumor. Nat Genet 2013; 45:680-5. [PMID: 23666239 PMCID: PMC3723930 DOI: 10.1038/ng.2634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We conducted a meta-analysis to identify new susceptibility loci for testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT). In the discovery phase, we analyzed 931 affected individuals and 1,975 controls from 3 genome-wide association studies (GWAS). We conducted replication in 6 independent sample sets comprising 3,211 affected individuals and 7,591 controls. In the combined analysis, risk of TGCT was significantly associated with markers at four previously unreported loci: 4q22.2 in HPGDS (per-allele odds ratio (OR) = 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.12-1.26; P = 1.11 × 10(-8)), 7p22.3 in MAD1L1 (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.14-1.29; P = 5.59 × 10(-9)), 16q22.3 in RFWD3 (OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.18-1.34; P = 5.15 × 10(-12)) and 17q22 (rs9905704: OR = 1.27, 95% CI = 1.18-1.33; P = 4.32 × 10(-13) and rs7221274: OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.12-1.28; P = 4.04 × 10(-9)), a locus that includes TEX14, RAD51C and PPM1E. These new TGCT susceptibility loci contain biologically plausible genes encoding proteins important for male germ cell development, chromosomal segregation and the DNA damage response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles C. Chung
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Cancer Genome Research Laboratory, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, SAIC-Frederick Inc., NCI-Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Peter A. Kanetsky
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Zhaoming Wang
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Cancer Genome Research Laboratory, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, SAIC-Frederick Inc., NCI-Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Roelof Koster
- Department of Medicine, Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rolf I. Skotheim
- Department of Cancer Prevention, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christian P. Kratz
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Clare Turnbull
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, UK
| | - Victoria K. Cortessis
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Anne C. Bakken
- Department of Cancer Prevention, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - D. Timothy Bishop
- Section of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre at Leeds, St James’ University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Michael B. Cook
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - R. Loren Erickson
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Sophie D. Fosså
- Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kevin B. Jacobs
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Cancer Genome Research Laboratory, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, SAIC-Frederick Inc., NCI-Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Larissa A. Korde
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sigrid M. Kraggerud
- Department of Cancer Prevention, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ragnhild A. Lothe
- Department of Cancer Prevention, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Cancer Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jennifer T. Loud
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nazneen Rahman
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, UK
| | - Eila C. Skinner
- Department of Urology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Duncan C. Thomas
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Xifeng Wu
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Meredith Yeager
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
- Cancer Genome Research Laboratory, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, SAIC-Frederick Inc., NCI-Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Fredrick R. Schumacher
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mark H. Greene
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephen M. Schwartz
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Katherine A. McGlynn
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephen J. Chanock
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Katherine L. Nathanson
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Medicine, Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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81
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Karlsson R, Andreassen KE, Kristiansen W, Aschim EL, Bremnes RM, Dahl O, Fosså SD, Klepp O, Langberg CW, Solberg A, Tretli S, Magnusson PK, Adami HO, Haugen TB, Grotmol T, Wiklund F. Investigation of six testicular germ cell tumor susceptibility genes suggests a parent-of-origin effect in SPRY4. Hum Mol Genet 2013; 22:3373-80. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddt188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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82
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Sharpe RM, Mitchell RT. The downside of 'inappropriate messaging': new insight into the development of testicular germ cell tumours in young men? J Pathol 2013; 229:497-501. [PMID: 23335366 DOI: 10.1002/path.4167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2012] [Revised: 12/30/2012] [Accepted: 01/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
How invasive testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) develop from precursor carcinoma in situ/intratubular germ cell neoplasia unclassified (CIS/IGCNU) cells, and only after puberty, is unknown. In the current issue of The Journal of Pathology, Jørgensen and colleagues have compared the protein expression profile of CIS before and after puberty and in pre-invasive versus invasive TGCT and show that the mitosis-meiosis controller DMRT1 switches off in CIS cells postpubertally and is associated with invasiveness. They also show that CIS cells express a 'confusing' mix of pro- and anti-meiotic proteins; this may predispose CIS cells to accumulate extra chromosomal material which ultimately leads to tumourigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M Sharpe
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.
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83
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Sabbaghian N, Bahubeshi A, Shuen AY, Kanetsky PA, Tischkowitz MD, Nathanson KL, Foulkes WD. Germ-line DICER1 mutations do not make a major contribution to the etiology of familial testicular germ cell tumours. BMC Res Notes 2013; 6:127. [PMID: 23547758 PMCID: PMC3642033 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-6-127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The RNase III enzyme DICER1 plays a central role in maturation of microRNAs. Identification of neoplasia-associated germ-line and somatic mutations in DICER1 indicates that mis-expression of miRNAs in cancer may result from defects in their processing. As part of a recent study of DICER1 RNase III domains in 96 testicular germ cell tumors, a single RNase IIIb domain mutation was identified in a seminoma. To further explore the importance of DICER1 mutations in the etiology of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT), we studied germ-line DNA samples from 43 probands diagnosed with familial TGCT. Findings We carried out High Resolution Melting Curve Analysis of DICER1 exons 2–12, 14–19, 21 and 24–27. All questionable melt curves were subjected to confirmatory Sanger sequencing. Sanger sequencing was used for exons 13, 20, 22 and 23. Intron-exon boundaries were included in all analyses. We identified 12 previously reported single nucleotide polymorphisms and two novel single nucleotide variants. No likely deleterious variants were identified; notably no mutations that were predicted to truncate the protein were identified. Conclusions Taken together with previous studies, the findings reported here suggest a very limited role for either germ-line or somatic DICER1 mutations in the etiology of TGCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelly Sabbaghian
- Program in Cancer Genetics, Department of Oncology and Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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84
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Krentz AD, Murphy MW, Zhang T, Sarver AL, Jain S, Griswold MD, Bardwell VJ, Zarkower D. Interaction between DMRT1 function and genetic background modulates signaling and pluripotency to control tumor susceptibility in the fetal germ line. Dev Biol 2013; 377:67-78. [PMID: 23473982 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2013.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Revised: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Dmrt1 (doublesex and mab-3 related transcription factor (1) is a regulator of testis development in vertebrates that has been implicated in testicular germ cell tumors of mouse and human. In the fetal mouse testis Dmrt1 regulates germ cell pluripotency in a strain-dependent manner. Loss of Dmrt1 in 129Sv strain mice results in a >90% incidence of testicular teratomas, tumors consisting cells of multiple germ layers; by contrast, these tumors have never been observed in Dmrt1 mutants of C57BL/6J (B6) or mixed genetic backgrounds. To further investigate the interaction between Dmrt1 and genetic background we compared mRNA expression in wild type and Dmrt1 mutant fetal testes of 129Sv and B6 mice at embryonic day 15.5 (E15.5), prior to overt tumorigenesis. Loss of Dmrt1 caused misexpression of overlapping but distinct sets of mRNAs in the two strains. The mRNAs that were selectively affected included some that changed expression only in one strain or the other and some that changed in both strains but to a greater degree in one versus the other. In particular, loss of Dmrt1 in 129Sv testes caused a more severe failure to silence regulators of pluripotency than in B6 testes. A number of genes misregulated in 129Sv mutant testes also are misregulated in human testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), suggesting similar etiology between germ cell tumors in mouse and man. Expression profiling showed that DMRT1 also regulates pluripotency genes in the fetal ovary, although Dmrt1 mutant females do not develop teratomas. Pathway analysis indicated disruption of several signaling pathways in Dmrt1 mutant fetal testes, including Nodal, Notch, and GDNF. We used a Nanos3-cre knock-in allele to perform conditional gene targeting, testing the GDNF coreceptors Gfra1 and Ret for effects on teratoma susceptibility. Conditional deletion of Gfra1 but not Ret in fetal germ cells of animals outcrossed to 129Sv caused a modest but significant elevation in tumor incidence. Despite some variability in genetic background in these crosses, this result is consistent with previous genetic mapping of teratoma susceptibility loci to the region containing Gfra1. Using Nanos3-cre we also uncovered a strong genetic interaction between Dmrt1 and Nanos3, suggesting parallel functions for these two genes in fetal germ cells. Finally, we used chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP-seq) analysis to identify a number of potentially direct DMRT1 targets. This analysis suggested that DMRT1 controls pluripotency via transcriptional repression of Esrrb, Nr5a2/Lrh1, and Sox2. Given the strong evidence for involvement of DMRT1 in human TGCT, the downstream genes and pathways identified in this study provide potentially useful candidates for roles in the human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony D Krentz
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, Developmental Biology Center, and Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, 6-160 Jackson Laboratory, 321 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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85
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Schumacher FR, Wang Z, Skotheim RI, Koster R, Chung CC, Hildebrandt MAT, Kratz CP, Bakken AC, Bishop DT, Cook MB, Erickson RL, Fosså SD, Greene MH, Jacobs KB, Kanetsky PA, Kolonel LN, Loud JT, Korde LA, Le Marchand L, Lewinger JP, Lothe RA, Pike MC, Rahman N, Rubertone MV, Schwartz SM, Siegmund KD, Skinner EC, Turnbull C, Van Den Berg DJ, Wu X, Yeager M, Nathanson KL, Chanock SJ, Cortessis VK, McGlynn KA. Testicular germ cell tumor susceptibility associated with the UCK2 locus on chromosome 1q23. Hum Mol Genet 2013; 22:2748-53. [PMID: 23462292 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddt109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified multiple common genetic variants associated with an increased risk of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs). A previous GWAS reported a possible TGCT susceptibility locus on chromosome 1q23 in the UCK2 gene, but failed to reach genome-wide significance following replication. We interrogated this region by conducting a meta-analysis of two independent GWASs including a total of 940 TGCT cases and 1559 controls for 122 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on chromosome 1q23 and followed up the most significant SNPs in an additional 2202 TGCT cases and 2386 controls from four case-control studies. We observed genome-wide significant associations for several UCK2 markers, the most significant of which was for rs3790665 (PCombined = 6.0 × 10(-9)). Additional support is provided from an independent familial study of TGCT where a significant over-transmission for rs3790665 with TGCT risk was observed (PFBAT = 2.3 × 10(-3)). Here, we provide substantial evidence for the association between UCK2 genetic variation and TGCT risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrick R Schumacher
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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86
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Jørgensen A, Nielsen JE, Almstrup K, Toft BG, Petersen BL, Rajpert-De Meyts E. Dysregulation of the mitosis-meiosis switch in testicular carcinoma in situ. J Pathol 2013; 229:588-98. [PMID: 23303528 DOI: 10.1002/path.4154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2012] [Revised: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 11/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCT) of young adults arise from the intratubular precursor, carcinoma in situ (CIS). CIS cells are thought to be developmentally arrested and transformed fetal germ cells that survive through childhood and gain invasive capacity after puberty. Given that germ cell neoplasms arise frequently in undervirilized and dysgenetic gonads and the striking physiological difference between meiotic entry in ovaries (fetal life) versus testes (at puberty), this study aimed to investigate whether errors in regulation of meiosis may be implicated in the pathogenesis of CIS or its invasive progression to TGCT. The main focus was on a key sex differentiation and meiosis regulator, DMRT1, which has also been linked to TGCT risk in recent genetic association studies. Expression patterns of DMRT1 and other meiosis regulators (SCP3, DMC1, STRA8, CYP26B1, NANOS2, NANOS3) were investigated in pre- and post-pubertal CIS samples and TGCT by quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. The results demonstrated that meiosis markers and meiosis inhibitors were simultaneously expressed in CIS cells, in both pre- and post-pubertal testis samples. DMRT1 was present in a restricted subset of CIS cells, which was relatively greater in pre-pubertal (27%) compared to adult (2.6%) samples. In contrast to the majority of CIS cells, DMRT1-positive CIS cells in adult testes were not proliferating. DMRT1 and most of the other meiosis regulators were absent or expressed at low levels in invasive TGCT, except in spermatocytic seminoma (not derived from CIS). In conclusion, this study indicates that meiosis signalling is dysregulated in CIS cells and that a key regulator of the mitosis-meiosis switch, DMRT1, is expressed in 'early-stage' CIS cells but is down-regulated with further invasive transformation. Whether this mixed meiosis signalling in CIS cells is caused by insufficient virilization of the fetal somatic niche or a partial post-pubertal maturation remains uncertain and requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
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87
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Abstract
The failure of testicular descent or cryptorchidism is the most common defect in newborn boys. The descent of the testes during development is controlled by insulin-like 3 peptide and steroid hormones produced in testicular Leydig cells, as well as by various genetic and developmental factors. While in some cases the association with genetic abnormalities and environmental causes has been shown, the etiology of cryptorchidism remains uncertain. Cryptorchidism is an established risk factor for infertility and testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT). Experimental animal models suggest a causative role for an abnormal testicular position on the disruption of spermatogenesis however the link between cryptorchidism and TGCT is less clear. The most common type of TGCT in cryptorchid testes is seminoma, believed to be derived from pluripotent prenatal germ cells. Recent studies have shown that seminoma cells and their precursor carcinoma in situ cells express a number of spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) markers suggesting that TGCTs might originate from adult stem cells. We review here the data on changes in the SSC somatic cell niche observed in cryptorchid testes of mouse models and in human patients. We propose that the misregulation of growth factors' expression may alter the balance between SSC self-renewal and differentiation and shift stem cells toward neoplastic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Ferguson
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International UniversityMiami, FL, USA
| | - Alexander I. Agoulnik
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International UniversityMiami, FL, USA
- *Correspondence: Alexander I. Agoulnik, Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th Street, HLSI 419B, Miami, FL 33199, USA. e-mail:
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89
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Abstract
The Drosophila Sex-lethal (Sxl) gene encodes a female-specific RNA binding protein that in somatic cells globally regulates all aspects of female-specific development and behavior. Sxl also has a critical, but less well understood, role in female germ cells. Germ cells without Sxl protein can adopt a stem cell fate when housed in a normal ovary, but fail to successfully execute the self-renewal differentiation fate switch. The failure to differentiate is accompanied by the inappropriate expression of a set of male specific markers, continued proliferation, and formation of a tumor. The findings in Chau et al., (2012) identify the germline stem cell maintenance factor nanos as one of its target genes, and suggest that Sxl enables the switch from germline stem cell to committed daughter cell by posttranscriptional downregulation of nanos expression. These studies provide the basis for a new model in which Sxl directly couples sexual identity with the self-renewal differentiation decision and raises several interesting questions about the genesis of the tumor phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen K Salz
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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90
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Machado AZ, da Silva TE, Frade Costa EM, dos Santos MG, Nishi MY, Brito VN, Mendonca BB, Domenice S. Absence of inactivating mutations and deletions in the DMRT1 and FGF9 genes in a large cohort of 46,XY patients with gonadal dysgenesis. Eur J Med Genet 2012; 55:690-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2012.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2011] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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91
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TERT-CLPTM1L polymorphism rs401681 contributes to cancers risk: evidence from a meta-analysis based on 29 publications. PLoS One 2012; 7:e50650. [PMID: 23226346 PMCID: PMC3511286 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2012] [Accepted: 10/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Some common genetic variants of TERT-CLPTM1L gene, which encode key protein subunits of telomerase, have been suggested to play a crucial role in tumorigenesis. The TERT-CLPTM1L polymorphism rs401681 was of special interest for cancers risk but with inconclusive results. Methodology/Principal Findings We performed a comprehensive meta-analysis of 29 publications with a total of 91263 cases and 735952 controls. We assessed the strength of the association between rs401681 and overall cancers risk and performed subgroup analyses by cancer type, ethnicity, source of control, sample size and expected power. Rs401681 C allele was found to be associated with marginally increased cancers risk, with per allele OR of 1.04 (95%CI = 1.00–1.08, Pheterogeneity<0.001) and an expected power of 1.000. Following further stratified analyses, the increased cancers risk were discovered in subgroups of lung, bladder, prostate, basal cell carcinomas and Asians, while a declined risk of pancreatic cancer and melanoma were detected. Conclusions/Significance These findings suggested that rs401681 C allele was a low-penetrance risk allele for the development of cancers of lung, bladder, prostate and basal cell carcinoma, but a potential protective allele for melanoma and pancreatic cancer.
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92
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Transgenerational epigenetic effects of the Apobec1 cytidine deaminase deficiency on testicular germ cell tumor susceptibility and embryonic viability. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2012; 109:E2766-73. [PMID: 22923694 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1207169109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental agents and genetic variants can induce heritable epigenetic changes that affect phenotypic variation and disease risk in many species. These transgenerational effects challenge conventional understanding about the modes and mechanisms of inheritance, but their molecular basis is poorly understood. The Deadend1 (Dnd1) gene enhances susceptibility to testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) in mice, in part by interacting epigenetically with other TGCT modifier genes in previous generations. Sequence homology to A1cf, the RNA-binding subunit of the ApoB editing complex, raises the possibility that the function of Dnd1 is related to Apobec1 activity as a cytidine deaminase. We conducted a series of experiments with a genetically engineered deficiency of Apobec1 on the TGCT-susceptible 129/Sv inbred background to determine whether dosage of Apobec1 modifies susceptibility, either alone or in combination with Dnd1, and either in a conventional or a transgenerational manner. In the paternal germ-lineage, Apobec1 deficiency significantly increased susceptibility among heterozygous but not wild-type male offspring, without subsequent transgenerational effects, showing that increased TGCT risk resulting from partial loss of Apobec1 function is inherited in a conventional manner. By contrast, partial deficiency in the maternal germ-lineage led to suppression of TGCTs in both partially and fully deficient males and significantly reduced TGCT risk in a transgenerational manner among wild-type offspring. These heritable epigenetic changes persisted for multiple generations and were fully reversed after consecutive crosses through the alternative germ-lineage. These results suggest that Apobec1 plays a central role in controlling TGCT susceptibility in both a conventional and a transgenerational manner.
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93
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Lessel D, Gamulin M, Kulis T, Toliat MR, Grgic M, Friedrich K, Žunec R, Balija M, Nürnberg P, Kastelan Z, Högel J, Kubisch C. Replication of genetic susceptibility loci for testicular germ cell cancer in the Croatian population. Carcinogenesis 2012; 33:1548-52. [DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgs218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
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94
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Giese S, Hossain H, Markmann M, Chakraborty T, Tchatalbachev S, Guillou F, Bergmann M, Failing K, Weider K, Brehm R. Sertoli-cell-specific knockout of connexin 43 leads to multiple alterations in testicular gene expression in prepubertal mice. Dis Model Mech 2012; 5:895-913. [PMID: 22699423 PMCID: PMC3484871 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.008649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A significant decline in human male reproductive function has been reported for the past 20 years but the molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. However, recent studies showed that the gap junction protein connexin-43 (CX43; also known as GJA1) might be involved. CX43 is the predominant testicular connexin (CX) in most species, including in humans. Alterations of its expression are associated with different forms of spermatogenic disorders and infertility. Men with impaired spermatogenesis often exhibit a reduction or loss of CX43 expression in germ cells (GCs) and Sertoli cells (SCs). Adult male transgenic mice with a conditional knockout (KO) of the Gja1 gene [referred to here as connexin-43 (Cx43)] in SCs (SCCx43KO) show a comparable testicular phenotype to humans and are infertile. To detect possible signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms leading to the testicular phenotype in adult SCCx43KO mice and to their failure to initiate spermatogenesis, the testicular gene expression of 8-day-old SCCx43KO and wild-type (WT) mice was compared. Microarray analysis revealed that 658 genes were significantly regulated in testes of SCCx43KO mice. Of these genes, 135 were upregulated, whereas 523 genes were downregulated. For selected genes the results of the microarray analysis were confirmed using quantitative real-time PCR and immunostaining. The majority of the downregulated genes are GC-specific and are essential for mitotic and meiotic progression of spermatogenesis, including Stra8, Dazl and members of the DM (dsx and map-3) gene family. Other altered genes can be associated with transcription, metabolism, cell migration and cytoskeleton organization. Our data show that deletion of Cx43 in SCs leads to multiple alterations of gene expression in prepubertal mice and primarily affects GCs. The candidate genes could represent helpful markers for investigators exploring human testicular biopsies from patients showing corresponding spermatogenic deficiencies and for studying the molecular mechanisms of human male sterility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Giese
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany
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Mocellin S, Verdi D, Pooley KA, Landi MT, Egan KM, Baird DM, Prescott J, De Vivo I, Nitti D. Telomerase reverse transcriptase locus polymorphisms and cancer risk: a field synopsis and meta-analysis. J Natl Cancer Inst 2012; 104:840-54. [PMID: 22523397 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djs222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several recent studies have provided evidence that polymorphisms in the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene sequence are associated with cancer development, but a comprehensive synopsis is not available. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available molecular epidemiology data regarding the association between TERT locus polymorphisms and predisposition to cancer. METHODS A systematic review of the English literature was conducted by searching PubMed, Embase, Cancerlit, Google Scholar, and ISI Web of Knowledge databases for studies on associations between TERT locus polymorphisms and cancer risk. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed to pool per-allele odds ratios for TERT locus polymorphisms and risk of cancer, and between-study heterogeneity and potential bias sources (eg, publication and chasing bias) were assessed. Because the TERT locus includes the cleft lip and palate transmembrane 1-like (CLPTM1L) gene, which is in linkage disequilibrium with TERT, CLPTM1L polymorphisms were also analyzed. Cumulative evidence for polymorphisms with statistically significant associations was graded as "strong," "moderate," and "weak" according to the Venice criteria. The joint population attributable risk was calculated for polymorphisms with strong evidence of association. RESULTS Eighty-five studies enrolling 490 901 subjects and reporting on 494 allelic contrasts were retrieved. Data were available on 67 TERT locus polymorphisms and 24 tumor types, for a total of 221 unique combinations of polymorphisms and cancer types. Upon meta-analysis, a statistically significant association with the risk of any cancer type was found for 22 polymorphisms. Strong, moderate, and weak cumulative evidence for association with at least one tumor type was demonstrated for 11, 9, and 14 polymorphisms, respectively. For lung cancer, which was the most studied tumor type, the estimated joint population attributable risk for three polymorphisms (TERT rs2736100, intergenic rs4635969, and CLPTM1L rs402710) was 41%. Strong evidence for lack of association was identified for five polymorphisms in three tumor types. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the largest collection of data for associations between TERT locus polymorphisms and cancer risk. Our findings support the hypothesis that genetic variability in this genomic region can modulate cancer susceptibility in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Mocellin
- Department of Oncological and Surgical Sciences, Meta-analysis Unit, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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96
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Abstract
The incidence of testicular cancer has been increasing over the past several decades in many developed countries. The reasons for the increases are unknown because the risk factors for the disease are poorly understood. Some research suggests that in utero exposures, or those in early childhood, are likely to be important in determining an individual's level of risk. However, other research suggests that exposure to various factors in adolescence and adulthood is also linked to the development of testicular cancer. Of these, two adult occupational exposures-fire fighting and aircraft maintenance--and one environmental exposure (to organochlorine pesticides) are likely to be associated with increased risk of developing testicular cancer. By contrast, seven of the identified factors--diet, types of physical activity, military service, police work as well as exposure to ionizing radiation, electricity and acrylamide--are unlikely to increase the risk of developing testicular cancer. Finally, seven further exposures--to heat, polyvinyl chloride, nonionizing radiation, heavy metals, agricultural work, pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls as well as marijuana use--require further study to determine their association with testicular cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A McGlynn
- Division of Hormonal and Reproductive Epidemiology, National Cancer Institute, Suite 550 6120 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20852, USA.
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97
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Matson CK, Zarkower D. Sex and the singular DM domain: insights into sexual regulation, evolution and plasticity. Nat Rev Genet 2012; 13:163-74. [PMID: 22310892 PMCID: PMC3595575 DOI: 10.1038/nrg3161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 263] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Most animals reproduce sexually, but the genetic and molecular mechanisms that determine the eventual sex of each embryo vary remarkably. DM domain genes, which are related to the insect gene doublesex, are integral to sexual development and its evolution in many metazoans. Recent studies of DM domain genes reveal mechanisms by which new sexual dimorphisms have evolved in invertebrates and show that one gene, Dmrt1, was central to multiple evolutionary transitions between sex-determining mechanisms in vertebrates. In addition, Dmrt1 coordinates a surprising array of distinct cell fate decisions in the mammalian gonad and even guards against transdifferentiation of male cells into female cells in the adult testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clinton K Matson
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, 6-160 Jackson Hall, 321 Church Street SE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA
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98
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Ferlin A, Pengo M, Pizzol D, Carraro U, Frigo AC, Foresta C. Variants in KITLG predispose to testicular germ cell cancer independently from spermatogenic function. Endocr Relat Cancer 2012; 19:101-8. [PMID: 22194441 DOI: 10.1530/erc-11-0340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological data suggest an association and a common pathogenetic link between male infertility and testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) development. Genome-wide studies identified that TGCT susceptibility is associated with KITLG (c-KIT ligand), which regulates the formation of primordial germ cells, from which TGCT is believed to arise and spermatogenesis develops. In this study, we analyzed the link between KITLG, TGCT, and spermatogenic disruption by performing an association study between the KITLG markers rs995030 and rs4471514 and 426 TGCT cases and 614 controls with normal and abnormal sperm count. We found that TGCT risk was increased more than twofold per copy of the major G allele and A allele in KITLG rs995030 and rs4471514 (odds ratio (OR)=2.38, 95% confidence interval (95% CI)=1.81-3.12; OR=2.43, 95% CI=1.86-3.17 respectively), and homozygotes for the risk allele had a sevenfold increased risk of TGCT. KITLG markers were strongly associated with seminoma subtype (per allele risk increased more than threefold, homozygote risk increased by 13- to 16-fold) and weakly with nonseminoma. KITLG markers were not associated with sperm production, as no difference was observed in men with normozoospermia and azoo-oligozoospermia, both in controls and in TGCT cases. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that KITLG variants are involved in TGCT development and they represent an independent and strong specific risk factor for TGCT independently from spermatogenic function. A shared genetic cause and a common pathogenetic link between TGCT development and impairment of spermatogenesis are not evident from this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Ferlin
- Section of Clinical Pathology and Centre for Human Reproduction Pathology, Department of Histology, Microbiology and Medical Biotechnologies, University of Padova, Via Gabelli 63, 35121 Padova, Italy.
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99
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Fung C, Vaughn DJ, Mitra N, Ciosek SL, Vardhanabhuti S, Nathanson KL, Kanetsky PA. Chemotherapy refractory testicular germ cell tumor is associated with a variant in Armadillo Repeat gene deleted in Velco-Cardio-Facial syndrome (ARVCF). Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2012; 3:163. [PMID: 23248619 PMCID: PMC3521241 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2012.00163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 11/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is evidence that inherited genetic variation affects both testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) treatment outcome and risks of late-complications arising from cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Using a candidate gene approach, we examined associations of three genes involved in the cisplatin metabolism pathway, GSTP1, COMT, and TPMT, with TGCT outcome and cisplatin-induced neurotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Our study population includes a subset of patients (n = 137) from a genome-wide association study at the University of Pennsylvania that evaluates inherited genetic susceptibility to TGCT. All patients in our study had at least one course of cisplatin-based chemotherapy with at least 1 year of follow-up. A total of 90 markers in GSTP1, COMT, and TPMT and their adjacent genomic regions (±20 kb) were analyzed for associations with refractory TGCT after first course of chemotherapy, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), peripheral neuropathy, and ototoxicity. RESULTS After adjustment for multiple comparisons, one Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs2073743, in the flanking region (±20 kb) of COMT was associated with refractory TGCT after initial chemotherapy. This SNP lies within the intron region of the Armadillo Repeat gene deleted in Velco-Cardio-Facial syndrome (ARVCF). The G allele of rs2073743 predisposed patients to refractory disease with a relative risk of 2.6 (95% CI 1.1, 6.3; P = 0.03). Assuming recessive inheritance, patients with the GG genotype had 22.7 times higher risk (95% CI 3.3, 155.8; P = 0.04) of developing refractory disease when compared to those with the GC or CC genotypes. We found no association of our candidate genes with peripheral neuropathy, ototoxicity, PFS and OS. DISCUSSION This is the first study to suggest that germline genetic variants of ARVCF may affect TGCT outcome. The result of this study is hypothesis generating and should be validated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunkit Fung
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical CenterRochester, NY, USA
- *Correspondence: Chunkit Fung, Department of Hematology and Oncology, Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Box 704, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. e-mail:
| | - David J. Vaughn
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Abramson Cancer Center, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nandita Mitra
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephanie L. Ciosek
- Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, USA
| | - Saran Vardhanabhuti
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS research, Harvard School of Public HealthBoston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine L. Nathanson
- Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peter A. Kanetsky
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia, PA, USA
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100
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Poynter JN, Hooten AJ, Lindsay Frazier A, Ross JA. Associations between variants in KITLG, SPRY4, BAK1, and DMRT1 and pediatric germ cell tumors. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2011; 51:266-71. [DOI: 10.1002/gcc.20951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2011] [Accepted: 09/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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