Long non-coding RNA TTTY14 promotes cell proliferation and functions as a prognostic biomarker in testicular germ cell tumor

Understanding the role of endocrine disrupting chemicals in testicular germ cell cancer: Insights into molecular mechanisms

This comprehensive review examines the complex interplay between endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and the development of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs). Despite the high cure rates of TGCTs, challenges in diagnosis and treatment remain, necessitating a deeper understanding of the etiology of the disease. Here, we emphasize current knowledge on the role of EDCs as potential risk factors for TGCTs, focusing on pesticides and perfluorinated and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs/PFCs). Evidence suggests that EDCs disrupt endocrine pathways and induce epigenetic changes that contribute to the development of TGCTs. However, the direct link between EDCs and TGCTs remains elusive and requires further investigation of the molecular mechanisms. We also highlighted the importance of studying nuclear receptors as potential targets for understanding TGCT etiology. In addition, recent evidence implicates PFAs/PFCs in TGCT incidence, highlighting the need for further research into their impact on human health. Overall, this review provides valuable insights into the potential role of EDCs in TGCT development and suggests avenues for future research, while also highlighting how understanding their influence may pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches to improve disease management.

CRISPR/Cas9 mediated Y-chromosome elimination affects human cells transcriptome

BACKGROUND

Sexual dimorphism represents a key concept in the comprehension of molecular processes guiding several sex-specific physiological and pathological mechanisms. It has been reported that genes involved in many disorders show a sex-dependent expression pattern. Moreover, the loss of Y chromosome (LOY), found to be a physiological age-driven phenomenon, has been linked to many neurodegenerative and autoimmune disorders, and to an increased cancer risk. These findings drove us towards the consideration that LOY may cause the de-regulation of disease specific networks, involving genes located in both autosomal and sex chromosomes.

RESULTS

Exploiting the CRISPR/Cas9 and RNA-sequencing technologies, we generated a Y-deficient human cell line that has been investigated for its gene expression profile. Our results showed that LOY can influence the transcriptome displaying relevant enriched biological processes, such as cell migration regulation, angiogenesis and immune response. Interestingly, the ovarian follicle development pathway was found enriched, supporting the female-mimicking profile of male Y-depleted cells.

CONCLUSION

This study, besides proposing a novel approach to investigate sex-biased physiological and pathological conditions, highlights new roles for the Y chromosome in the sexual dimorphism characterizing human health and diseases. Moreover, this analysis paves the way for the research of new therapeutic approaches for sex dimorphic and LOY-related diseases.

Proteomics and genomics insights on malignant osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is a malignant osseous neoplasm. Osteosarcoma is a primary bone malignancy capable of producing osteoid tissue or immature bones. A subsequent malignant degeneration of the primary bone pathology occurs less frequently in adults. The over-expression of several proteins, including Heat shock proteins, Cofilin, Annexins, Insulin-like growth factor, transforming growth factor-β, Receptor tyrosine kinase, Ezrin, Runx2, SATB2, ATF4, Annexins, cofilin, EGFR, VEGF, retinoblastoma 1 (Rb1) and secreted protein, has been associated to the development and progression of osteosarcoma. These proteins are involved in cell adhesion, migration, invasion, and the control of cell cycle and apoptosis. In genomic studies, osteosarcoma has been associated with several genetic abnormalities, including chromosomal rearrangements, gene mutations, and gene amplifications. These differentially expressed proteins could be used as early identification biomarkers or treatment targets. Proteomics and genomics play significant parts in enhancing our molecular understanding of osteosarcoma, and their integration provides essential insights into this aggressive bone cancer. This review will discuss the tumour biology that has assisted in helping us better understand the causes of osteosarcoma and how they could potentially be used to find new treatment targets and enhance the survival rate for osteosarcoma patients.