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Krasic J, Skara Abramovic L, Himelreich Peric M, Vanjorek V, Gangur M, Zovko D, Malnar M, Masic S, Demirovic A, Juric B, Ulamec M, Coric M, Jezek D, Kulis T, Sincic N. Testicular Germ Cell Tumor Tissue Biomarker Analysis: A Comparison of Human Protein Atlas and Individual Testicular Germ Cell Tumor Component Immunohistochemistry. Cells 2023; 12:1841. [PMID: 37508506 PMCID: PMC10378501 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The accurate management of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) depends on identifying the individual histological tumor components. Currently available data on protein expression in TGCTs are limited. The human protein atlas (HPA) is a comprehensive resource presenting the expression and localization of proteins across tissue types and diseases. In this study, we have compared the data from the HPA with our in-house immunohistochemistry on core TGCT diagnostic genes to test reliability and potential biomarker genes. We have compared the protein expression of 15 genes in TGCT patients and non-neoplastic testicles with the data from the HPA. Protein expression was converted into diagnostic positivity. Our study discovered discrepancies in three of the six core TGCT diagnostic genes, POU5F1, KIT and SOX17 in HPA. DPPA3, CALCA and TDGF1 were presented as potential novel TGCT biomarkers. MGMT was confirmed while RASSF1 and PRSS21 were identified as biomarkers of healthy testicular tissue. Finally, SALL4, SOX17, RASSF1 and PRSS21 dysregulation in the surrounding testicular tissue with complete preserved spermatogenesis of TGCT patients was detected, a potential early sign of neoplastic transformation. We highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary collaborative approach to fully understand the protein landscape of human testis and its pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jure Krasic
- Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lucija Skara Abramovic
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Virology, Croatian Institute of Public Health, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marta Himelreich Peric
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Health Centre Zagreb-West, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vedran Vanjorek
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marko Gangur
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dragana Zovko
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Malnar
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Silvija Masic
- Ljudevit Jurak Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, University Clinical Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Alma Demirovic
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Ljudevit Jurak Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, University Clinical Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Dental Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Bernardica Juric
- Ljudevit Jurak Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, University Clinical Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Monika Ulamec
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Ljudevit Jurak Clinical Department of Pathology and Cytology, University Clinical Hospital Center Sestre Milosrdnice, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marijana Coric
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Pathology and Cytology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Davor Jezek
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Kulis
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nino Sincic
- Centre of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Biology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Schulz B, Schumacher V, Ngezahayo A, Maier-Begandt D, Schadzek N, Wilhelm J, Weidner W, Pilatz A, Fietz D, Kliesch S, Schnepel N, Hambruch N, Rode K, Langeheine M, Brehm R. Analysis of connexin 43, connexin 45 and N-cadherin in the human sertoli cell line FS1 and the human seminoma-like cell line TCam-2 in comparison with human testicular biopsies. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:232. [PMID: 36899312 PMCID: PMC10007848 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10696-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Germ cell tumors are relatively common in young men. They derive from a non-invasive precursor, called germ cell neoplasia in situ, but the exact pathogenesis is still unknown. Thus, further understanding provides the basis for diagnostics, prognostics and therapy and is therefore paramount. A recently developed cell culture model consisting of human FS1 Sertoli cells and human TCam-2 seminoma-like cells offers new opportunities for research on seminoma. Since junctional proteins within the seminiferous epithelium are involved in cell organization, differentiation and proliferation, they represent interesting candidates for investigations on intercellular adhesion and communication in context with neoplastic progression. METHODS FS1 and TCam-2 cells were characterized regarding gap-junction-related connexin 43 (Cx43) and connexin 45 (Cx45), and adherens-junction-related N-cadherin using microarray, PCR, Western blot, immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence. Results were compared to human testicular biopsies at different stages of seminoma development via immunohistochemistry to confirm the cell lines' representativeness. Furthermore, dye-transfer measurements were performed to investigate functional cell coupling. RESULTS Cx43, Cx45 and N-cadherin mRNA and protein were generally detectable in both cell lines via qualitative RT-PCR and Western blot. Immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence revealed a mainly membrane-associated expression of N-cadherin in both cell lines, but gene expression values were higher in FS1 cells. Cx43 expression was also membrane-associated in FS1 cells but barely detectable in TCam-2 cells. Accordingly, a high gene expression value of Cx43 was measured for FS1 and a low value for TCam-2 cells. Cx45 was primary located in the cytoplasm of FS1 and TCam-2 cells and revealed similar low to medium gene expression values in both cell lines. Overall, results were comparable with corresponding biopsies. Additionally, both FS1 and TCam-2 cells showed dye diffusion into neighboring cells. CONCLUSION The junctional proteins Cx43, Cx45 and N-cadherin are expressed in FS1 and TCam-2 cells at mRNA and/or protein level in different amounts and localizations, and cells of both lines are functionally coupled among each other. Concerning the expression of these junctional proteins, FS1 and TCam-2 cells are largely representative for Sertoli and seminoma cells, respectively. Thus, these results provide the basis for further coculture experiments evaluating the role of junctional proteins in context with seminoma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birte Schulz
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Valérie Schumacher
- Department of Urology and Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Surgery and Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anaclet Ngezahayo
- Department of Cell Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience Hannover, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Daniela Maier-Begandt
- Department of Cell Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nadine Schadzek
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jochen Wilhelm
- Institute for Lung Health, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,The Cardiopulmonary Institute, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Weidner
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Daniela Fietz
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Nadine Schnepel
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nina Hambruch
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kristina Rode
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marion Langeheine
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ralph Brehm
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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Camacho-Moll ME, Looijenga LHJ, Donat R, Shukla CJ, Jørgensen A, Mitchell RT. Expression of Intermediate Filaments in the Developing Testis and Testicular Germ Cell Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5479. [PMID: 36428571 PMCID: PMC9688874 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokeratin and desmin expression have been associated with Sertoli cell maturity and the development of testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC). Thus, the present study aimed to characterize the expression of these intermediate filaments in normal testis development and TGCC. Cytokeratin and desmin were determined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence in human fetal, and adult testis and tissue from patients with pre-invasive germ cell neoplasia in-situ (GCNIS) or invasive TGCC. Desmin was expressed in Sertoli cells of the human fetal testis, and the proportion of desmin expressing Sertoli cells was significantly reduced in the second trimester, compared with the first trimester (31.14% vs. 6.74%, p = 0.0016). Additionally, Desmin was expressed in the majority of Sertoli cells in the adult testis and TGCC samples. Cytokeratin was detected in Sertoli cells of human fetal testis but was not expressed in Sertoli cells of human adult testis. In patients with TGCC, cytokeratin was not expressed in Sertoli cells in tubules with active spermatogenesis but was detected in Sertoli cells in tubules containing GCNIS cells in patients with both pre-invasive and invasive TGCC. In conclusion, desmin was not associated with Sertoli cell maturation or progression to TGCC. However, cytokeratin appeared to be an indicator of impaired Sertoli cell maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E. Camacho-Moll
- Department of Molecular Biology, Northeast Centre for Biomedical Research, Mexican Institute for Social Security, 2 de abril 501, Esq. San Luis Potosi, Col. Independencia, Monterrey C.P. 64720, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Leendert H. J. Looijenga
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roland Donat
- Department of Urology, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, Scotland, UK
| | - Chitranjan J. Shukla
- Department of Urology, Western General Hospital, Crewe Road, Edinburgh EH4 2XU, Scotland, UK
| | - Anne Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, University Hospital of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rod T. Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, Scotland, UK
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García-Andrade F, Vigueras-Villaseñor RM, Chávez-Saldaña MD, Rojas-Castañeda JC, Bahena-Ocampo IU, Aréchaga-Ocampo E, Díaz-Chávez J, Landero-Huerta DA. The Role of microRNAs in the Gonocyte Theory as Target of Malignancy: Looking for Potential Diagnostic Biomarkers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810526. [PMID: 36142439 PMCID: PMC9505168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Some pediatric patients with cryptorchidism preserve cells with gonocyte characteristics beyond their differentiation period, which could support the theory of the gonocyte as a target for malignancy in the development of testicular neoplasia. One of the key molecules in gonocyte malignancy is represented by microRNAs (miRNAs). The goal of this review is to give an overview of miRNAs, a class of small non-coding RNAs that participate in the regulation of gene expression. We also aim to review the crucial role of several miRNAs that have been further described in the regulation of gonocyte differentiation to spermatogonia, which, when transformed, could give rise to germ cell neoplasia in situ, a precursor lesion to testicular germ cell tumors. Finally, the potential use of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in testicular neoplasia is addressed, due to their specificity and sensitivity compared to conventional markers, as well as their applications in therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola García-Andrade
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México 04530, Mexico
- Posgrado en Biología Experimental, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México 09310, Mexico
| | - Rosa María Vigueras-Villaseñor
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México 04530, Mexico
- Correspondence: (R.M.V.-V.); (D.A.L.-H.); Tel.: +52-(55)-1084-0900 (ext. 1453) (R.M.V.-V. & D.A.L.-H.); Fax: +52-(55)-1084-5533 (R.M.V.-V. & D.A.L.-H.)
| | | | | | - Iván Uriel Bahena-Ocampo
- Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Iztapalapa, Ciudad de México 09310, Mexico
| | - Elena Aréchaga-Ocampo
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Cuajimalpa, Ciudad de México 05348, Mexico
| | - José Díaz-Chávez
- Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Ciudad de México 14080, Mexico
| | - Daniel Adrian Landero-Huerta
- Laboratorio de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Pediatría, Ciudad de México 04530, Mexico
- Correspondence: (R.M.V.-V.); (D.A.L.-H.); Tel.: +52-(55)-1084-0900 (ext. 1453) (R.M.V.-V. & D.A.L.-H.); Fax: +52-(55)-1084-5533 (R.M.V.-V. & D.A.L.-H.)
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