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Nicu AT, Ionel IP, Stoica I, Burlibasa L, Jinga V. Recent Advancements in Research on DNA Methylation and Testicular Germ Cell Tumors: Unveiling the Intricate Relationship. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1041. [PMID: 38791003 PMCID: PMC11117643 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051041] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most common type of testicular cancer, with a particularly high incidence in the 15-45-year age category. Although highly treatable, resistance to therapy sometimes occurs, with devastating consequences for the patients. Additionally, the young age at diagnosis and the treatment itself pose a great threat to patients' fertility. Despite extensive research concerning genetic and environmental risk factors, little is known about TGCT etiology. However, epigenetics has recently come into the spotlight as a major factor in TGCT initiation, progression, and even resistance to treatment. As such, recent studies have been focusing on epigenetic mechanisms, which have revealed their potential in the development of novel, non-invasive biomarkers. As the most studied epigenetic mechanism, DNA methylation was the first revelation in this particular field, and it continues to be a main target of investigations as research into its association with TGCT has contributed to a better understanding of this type of cancer and constantly reveals novel aspects that can be exploited through clinical applications. In addition to biomarker development, DNA methylation holds potential for developing novel treatments based on DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTis) and may even be of interest for fertility management in cancer survivors. This manuscript is structured as a literature review, which comprehensively explores the pivotal role of DNA methylation in the pathogenesis, progression, and treatment resistance of TGCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina-Teodora Nicu
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 030018 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-T.N.); (I.S.)
| | - Ileana Paula Ionel
- Department of Specific Disciplines, Faculty of Midwifery and Nursing, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ileana Stoica
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 030018 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-T.N.); (I.S.)
| | - Liliana Burlibasa
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 030018 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-T.N.); (I.S.)
| | - Viorel Jinga
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
- The Academy of Romanian Scientists, 050044 Bucharest, Romania
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Xue L, Zhang W, Ju Y, Xu X, Bo H, Zhong X, Hu Z, Zheng C, Fang B, Tang S. TNFSF10, an autophagy related gene, was a prognostic and immune infiltration marker in skin cutaneous melanoma. J Cancer 2023; 14:2417-2430. [PMID: 37670976 PMCID: PMC10475358 DOI: 10.7150/jca.86735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy exerts a pivotal effect on skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM). This study was aimed to investigate the expression of autophagy related genes (ARGs) in SKCM as well as its clinical value. Differentially expressed (DE) ARGs were downloaded from the intersection of SKCM data in GEPIA2 database and ARGs in Human Autophagy Database (HADB) database, and were verified in SKCM datasets GSE46517 and GSE15605. DE ARGs were enriched by Metascape online tools. According to GEPIA2 database, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TNFSF10) was identified as a closely related factor and prognostic marker of SKCM. Then the correlation analysis of clinicopathological characteristics between TNFSF10 and SKCM was completed by several online tools such as TISCH, HPA, BEST and qRT-PCR. Subsequently, we investigated TNFSF10 related functions and signal pathways with LinkedOmics online tool, and immune infiltration using Assistant for Clinical Bioinformatics online tool. Furthermore, correlation analysis between TNFSF10 expression and immunotherapy response was performed by TIDE algorithm and BEST online tool. And Kaplan-Meier Plotter was used to assessing the prognosis of SKCM patients receiving immunotherapy. Finally, the correlation analysis among TNFSF10 methylation, TNFSF10 expression and patient prognosis was completed by the DiseaseMeth version 2.0, UCSC XENA and qRT-PCR. ARGs are DE in SKCM and participate in the ERBB signaling pathway, as well as the processing and presentation of antigens. Moreover, TNFSF10's expression along with methylation expression were significantly associated with the prognosis. Low expression of TNFSF10 was associated with malignant clinicopathological features, lower immune signal activity and lower immunocytes abundance in patients with SKCM. As an ARG, TNFSF10 has a potential capacity in predicting the prognosis of SKCM patients, meanwhile, may be a novel immunotherapy marker for SKCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xue
- Department of Pathology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wancong Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Plastic Surgery Institute of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yikun Ju
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xuezheng Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hunan Cancer Hospital, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hao Bo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoping Zhong
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Plastic Surgery Institute of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhexiao Hu
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Plastic Surgery Institute of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Congyuan Zheng
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Plastic Surgery Institute of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bairong Fang
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shijie Tang
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burn Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Plastic Surgery Institute of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
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Xu X, Liu Z, Li Y, Fan L, Wang S, Guo J, Luo Y, Bo H. Single Nuclear RNA Sequencing Highlights Intra-Tumoral Heterogeneity and Tumor Microenvironment Complexity in Testicular Embryonic Rhabdomyosarcoma. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:493-507. [PMID: 35095281 PMCID: PMC8791304 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s343068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Testicular embryonic rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) is a rare soft tissue tumor in children featured with high intra-tumoral heterogeneity. In this study, we aimed to comprehensively delineate the testicular ERMS intra-tumoral heterogeneity and tumor microenvironment. Methods Cell types and the corresponding marker genes were identified by single-nuclear RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq). Functional states of different clusters were evaluated by uniform manifold approximation and projection and differentially expressed genes. Kaplan–Meier curve analysis was constructed according to the gene expression profile to determine the correlation between candidate marker genes and the overall survival and disease-free survival of patients with osteosarcoma from TCGA. Results A total of 8868 tumor cells and 10,147 normal cells were obtained from testicular ERMS tissues. The heterogeneous malignant subtype was composed of six subgroups (C1–C6) with differential proliferative and migratory potentials. Cell trajectory analysis revealed the C1 subgroup might be the starting cells of the tumor and transform into two different types of malignant cells, C2 and C5/6, during the development of RMS. The differentially expressed genes were closely related to cell adhesion and extracellular matrix signaling pathways. Furthermore, the interaction analysis between cell subgroups (macrophages and tumor cells, endothelial cells and tumor cells) demonstrated that collagen-related gene COL6A1 plays a key role from the initiation of ERMS to the entire process of malignant transformation. Conclusion Our findings provide a new insight in the understanding of the initiation and progression of testicular ERMS and have potential value in the development of markers for the diagnosis and stratification of testicular ERMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuezheng Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhizhong Liu
- Department of Urology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Obstetrics, The First Hospital of Changsha, Changsha, 410005, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liqing Fan
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410078, People’s Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuang Wang
- Medical Research Center and Clinical Laboratory, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jie Guo
- National Institution of Drug Clinical Trial, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanwei Luo
- Department of Blood Transfusion, the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, 410013, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Yanwei Luo; Hao Bo Email ;
| | - Hao Bo
- Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, 410078, People’s Republic of China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, People’s Republic of China
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Luo Y, Zhou Q, Zhu F, Fan L, Bo H, Wang X. Hypomethylation-driven AKT Serine/Threonine Kinase 3 promotes testicular germ cell tumors proliferation and negatively correlates to immune infiltration. Bioengineered 2021; 12:11288-11302. [PMID: 34882061 PMCID: PMC8810072 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2002621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
AKT Serine/Threonine Kinase 3 (AKT3) has been reported to play an important role in different tumors. However, its clinical value, biological function, and molecular mechanism in testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) remains unclear. In the current study, we applied the Gene Set Cancer Analysis (GSCA), UCSC XENA, Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), the Human Protein Atlas (HPA), LinkedOmics, DiseaseMeth version 2.0, TISIDB, and other databases for TGCT data mining. Then, we investigated AKT3’s mechanism of action and clinical survival significance via bioinformatics followed by in vitro experiments. We found that AKT3 was upregulated and had frequent copy number amplifications in TGCT, which were associated with poor survival outcomes of patients. On the other hand, mutations that led to AKT3 loss-of-function were correlated to a better prognosis in patients. Moreover, AKT3 silencing significantly inhibited the proliferation, DNA synthesis and colony formation of NCCIT cells (a TGCT cell line). AKT3 might participate in TGCT progression through multiple signaling pathways, such as ErbB, oxidative phosphorylation, and affecting tumor immune infiltration. Also, the upregulation of AKT3 mRNA expression might be driven by the hypomethylation of its promoter region. Overall, AKT3 is a potential TGCT oncogene and can be further used as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qianyin Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fang Zhu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Liqing Fan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hao Bo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Human Stem Cell and Reproductive Engineering, Institute of Reproductive and Stem Cell Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Clinical Research Center for Reproduction and Genetics in Hunan Province, Reproductive and Genetic Hospital of CITIC-Xiangya, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xingming Wang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine (Pet Center), Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Gao P, Ren G. Identification of potential target genes of non-small cell lung cancer in response to resveratrol treatment by bioinformatics analysis. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:23245-23261. [PMID: 34633989 PMCID: PMC8544309 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type in lung cancer in the world, and it severely threatens the life of patients. Resveratrol has been reported to inhibit cancer. However, mechanisms of resveratrol inhibiting NSCLC were unclear. The aim of this study was to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of NSCLC treated with resveratrol and reveal the potential targets of resveratrol in NSCLC. We obtained mRNA expression profiles of two datasets from the National Center for Biotechnology Information Gene Expression Omnibus (NCBI-GEO) and 271 DEGs were selected for further analysis. Data from STRING shown that 177 nodes and 342 edges were in the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, and 10 hub genes (ANPEP, CD69, ITGAL, PECAM1, PTPRC, CD34, ITGA1, CCL2, SOX2, and EGFR) were identified by Cytoscape plus-in cytoHubba. Survival analysis revealed that NSCLC patients showing low expression of PECAM1, ANPEP, CD69, ITGAL, and PTPRC were associated with worse overall survival (OS) (P < 0.05), and high expression of SOX2 and EGFR was associated with worse OS for NSCLC patients (P < 0.05). Overall, we identified ANPEP, CD69, ITGAL, and PTPRC as potential candidate genes which were main effects of resveratrol on the treatment of NSCLC. ANPEP, ITGAL, CD69, and PTPRC are all clusters of differentiation (CD) antigens, might be the targets of resveratrol. The bioinformatic results suggested that the inhibitory effect of resveratrol on lung cancer may be related to the immune signaling pathway. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and to explore their functional mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Gao
- Institute of Microvascular Medicine, Medical Research Center, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China
| | - Guanghui Ren
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistant, School of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China
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In Utero Programming of Testicular Cancer. J Dev Biol 2021; 9:jdb9030035. [PMID: 34564084 PMCID: PMC8482261 DOI: 10.3390/jdb9030035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well established that the intrauterine biological environment plays important roles in fetal development. In this review, we re-visit the hypothesis that testicular germ cell cancer (TGCC), especially in adolescents and young adults, has been programmed in utero. The origin for extreme in utero environments is mostly maternal driven and may be due to nutritional, physical and psychological stressful conditions that alter the optimal molecular and biophysical in utero environments. Moreover, precursors for TGCC may originate as early as during fertilization or implantation of the blastocyst. Further investigations of human developmental biology, both in vivo and in vitro, are needed in order to establish better understanding of in utero programming of future wellbeing or diseases.
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Luo Y, Sun Y, Li L, Mao Y. METTL3 May Regulate Testicular Germ Cell Tumors Through EMT and Immune Pathways. Cell Transplant 2021; 29:963689720946653. [PMID: 32749150 PMCID: PMC7563025 DOI: 10.1177/0963689720946653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are highly prevalent in young men aged 20–40
years and are one of the most common lethal solid tumors in men of this age. Due
to the current unclear mechanism of tumor development, there is a lack of
effective treatment, and therefore in-depth research of the molecular mechanism
of the occurrence and development of TGCT and the search for suitable and
effective therapeutic targets and molecular markers are of great significance
for achieving effective treatment. METTL3 is a very important methylase, which
has been implicated in the progression of many cancers, but the role of METTL3
in TGCT has not been fully elucidated. In this article, we found that METTL3
expression was significantly downregulated in TGCT tissues, and patients with
low expression levels had lower overall survival and relapse-free survival
rates. After overexpressing METTL3, cell proliferation, invasion, and migration
ability significantly increased, while influencing the expression of
epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins. In addition, we
observed that the expression level of METTL3 positively correlated with
molecular markers and infiltration level of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells and natural
killer cells. In sum, our findings identified that METTL3 can be used as an
independent prognostic marker in patients with TGCT. METTL3 participates in the
proliferation, migration, and invasion of TGCT cells by regulating the
expression of EMT-related genes and may also play a role in activating the tumor
immune response in TGCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Luo
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuling Mao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, China
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Between a Rock and a Hard Place: An Epigenetic-Centric View of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071506. [PMID: 33805941 PMCID: PMC8036638 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This minireview focuses on the role of epigenetics in testicular cancer. A working model is developed that postulates that epigenetic features that drive testicular cancer malignancy also enable these tumors to be cured at a high rate with chemotherapy. Chemoresistance may occur by epigenetic uncoupling of malignancy and chemosensitivity, a scenario that may be amenable to epigenetic-based therapies. Abstract Compared to many common solid tumors, the main genetic drivers of most testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are unknown. Decades of focus on genomic alterations in TGCTs including awareness of a near universal increase in copies of chromosome 12p have failed to uncover exceptional driver genes, especially in genes that can be targeted therapeutically. Thus far, TGCT patients have missed out on the benefits of targeted therapies available to treat most other malignancies. In the past decade there has been a greater appreciation that epigenetics may play an especially prominent role in TGCT etiology, progression, and hypersensitivity to conventional chemotherapy. While genetics undoubtedly plays a role in TGCT biology, this mini-review will focus on the epigenetic “states” or features of testicular cancer, with an emphasis on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and miRNAs associated with TGCT susceptibility, initiation, progression, and response to chemotherapy. In addition, we comment on the current status of epigenetic-based therapy and epigenetic biomarker development for TGCTs. Finally, we suggest a unifying “rock and a hard place” or “differentiate or die” model where the tumorigenicity and curability of TGCTs are both dependent on common but still ill-defined epigenetic states.
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Fazal Z, Singh R, Fang F, Bikorimana E, Baldwin H, Corbet A, Tomlin M, Yerby C, Adra N, Albany C, Lee S, Freemantle SJ, Nephew KP, Christensen BC, Spinella MJ. Hypermethylation and global remodelling of DNA methylation is associated with acquired cisplatin resistance in testicular germ cell tumours. Epigenetics 2020; 16:1071-1084. [PMID: 33126827 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2020.1834926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) respond well to cisplatin-based therapy. However, cisplatin resistance and poor outcomes do occur. It has been suggested that a shift towards DNA hypermethylation mediates cisplatin resistance in TGCT cells, although there is little direct evidence to support this claim. Here we utilized a series of isogenic cisplatin-resistant cell models and observed a strong association between cisplatin resistance in TGCT cells and a net increase in global CpG and non-CpG DNA methylation spanning regulatory, intergenic, genic and repeat elements. Hypermethylated loci were significantly enriched for repressive DNA segments, CTCF and RAD21 sites and lamina associated domains, suggesting that global nuclear reorganization of chromatin structure occurred in resistant cells. Hypomethylated CpG loci were significantly enriched for EZH2 and SUZ12 binding and H3K27me3 sites. Integrative transcriptome and methylome analyses showed a strong negative correlation between gene promoter and CpG island methylation and gene expression in resistant cells and a weaker positive correlation between gene body methylation and gene expression. A bidirectional shift between gene promoter and gene body DNA methylation occurred within multiple genes that was associated with upregulation of polycomb targets and downregulation of tumour suppressor genes. These data support the hypothesis that global remodelling of DNA methylation is a key factor in mediating cisplatin hypersensitivity and chemoresistance of TGCTs and furthers the rationale for hypomethylation therapy for refractory TGCT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeeshan Fazal
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Ratnakar Singh
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Fang Fang
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Emmanuel Bikorimana
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Hannah Baldwin
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Andrea Corbet
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Megan Tomlin
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Cliff Yerby
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Nabil Adra
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Costantine Albany
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Sarah Lee
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Sarah J Freemantle
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Kenneth P Nephew
- Medical Sciences Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Brock C Christensen
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Michael J Spinella
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.,Carle Illinois College of Medicine and Cancer Center of Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) exhibit, in contrast to other cancer types, a relatively low mutational burden. However, numerous epigenetic alterations have been shown to impact TGCT. In this review, we summarize the most relevant findings of the past 2 years. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies focused on the functions of microRNAs and the impact of aberrant DNA methylation. Moreover, several epigenetic drugs with antineoplastic effects in TGCTs were identified. SUMMARY Aberrant DNA methylation and differentially expressed microRNAs have an important effect on TGCT pathogenesis. Moreover, differential DNA methylation patterns were found to be specific for different TGCT subtypes. Various microRNAs, such as miR-371a-3p, were found to be highly sensitive and specific biomarkers for TGCT. The epigenetic drugs guadecitabine, animacroxam, and JQ1 showed promising effects on TGCT in preclinical in-vivo and in-vitro studies.
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11
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Cui B, Fan X, Zhou D, He L, Li Y, Li D, Lin H. CSF1R methylation is a key regulatory mechanism of tumor-associated macrophages in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:1835-1845. [PMID: 32724427 PMCID: PMC7377184 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.11726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are important in tumor microenvironments and are closely associated with cancer occurrence, metastasis and progression. Colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) serves a crucial role in TAM formation. Whether CSF1R expression is regulated by DNA methylation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been fully elucidated. In the current study, HCC and adjacent non-cancerous tissue (ANT) samples were collected from 160 patients with HCC. CSF1R methylation levels were analyzed using a Mass ARRAY Analyzer to establish the potential impact of CSF1R methylation alternations on HCC clinicopathological characteristics. The mean methylation level of the CSF1R promoter (chr 5:149492491-149492958) was demonstrated to be significantly higher in ANTs compared with HCC tissues (65.3±7.5% vs. 57.3±14.4%, respectively; P<0.0001). CSF1R also exhibited decreased expression in HCC tissues compared with ANTs (P=0.0026). However, CSF1R expression was negatively correlated with CSF1R methylation levels in ANTs (r>0.4; P<0.0001). Further analysis indicated that patients with diabetes exhibited lower methylation levels in ANTs compared with HCC tissues (P=0.0062). Furthermore, CSF1R hypomethylation in ANTs was associated with a larger number of tumors (P=0.0332), larger tumor size (P=0.0494) and higher tumor grade (P=0.0244). Therefore, methylation alternation of the CSF1R promoter region analyzed in the present study was a key regulatory mechanism on CSF1R expression and ANT hypomethylation indicated poor clinicopathological characteristics of HCC. CSF1R may be a potential immunological therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Cui
- China-UK-NYNU-RRes Joint Laboratory of Insect Biology, Henan Key Laboratory of Insect Biology in Funiu Mountain, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, Henan 473061, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoxiao Fan
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China.,Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Daizhan Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China.,Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Lifeng He
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China.,Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Yirun Li
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China.,Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
| | - Dandan Li
- China-UK-NYNU-RRes Joint Laboratory of Insect Biology, Henan Key Laboratory of Insect Biology in Funiu Mountain, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, Henan 473061, P.R. China
| | - Hui Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China.,Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, P.R. China
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12
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Wang K, Chen Y, Zhao Z, Feng M, Zhang S. Identification of potential core genes and miRNAs in testicular seminoma via bioinformatics analysis. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:4013-4022. [PMID: 31545448 PMCID: PMC6797975 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular seminoma is one of the most common tumours in the field of urology, and its aetiology is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to identify the factors responsible for the development of testicular cancer and to investigate whether mutations in these genes were primarily congenital or acquired. To identify the key genes and miRNAs linked to testicular seminoma, as well as their potential molecular mechanisms, the GSE15220, GSE1818 and GSE59520 microarray datasets were analysed. A total of 5,195 and 1,163 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified after analysing the GSE15220 and GSE1818 datasets, respectively. Among them, 287 genes were common between the two datasets. Of these, 110 were upregulated and 177 were downregulated. Five differentially expressed microRNAs (miRs; DEMs) that were downregulated in seminoma were identified after analysing the GSE59520 dataset. Following protein-protein interaction network and Gene Ontology analysis, the five nodes with the highest degrees were screened as hub genes. Among them, the high expression of hub genes, such as protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type C (PTPRC), was associated with worse overall survival. We also predicted the potential target genes of the DEMs. DNA topoisomerase II α (TOP2A), marker of proliferation Ki-67 (MKI67), PTPRC and ubiquitin conjugating enzyme E2 C were associated with the PI3K/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathways. In addition, hsa-miR-650 and hsa-miR-665 were associated with the PI3K/AKT and Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathways. Additionally, TOP2A and MKI67 were strongly associated with the target genes hsa-miR-650 and hsa-miR-665, respectively. We proposed that the hub genes reported in the present study may have a certain impact on cellular proliferation and migration in testicular seminoma. The roles of these hub genes in seminoma may provide novel insight to improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients with seminoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro‑Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, P.R. China
| | - Yun Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro‑Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, P.R. China
| | - Zhihong Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro‑Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, P.R. China
| | - Meiying Feng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro‑Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, P.R. China
| | - Shouquan Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro‑Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, P.R. China
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13
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Baroni T, Arato I, Mancuso F, Calafiore R, Luca G. On the Origin of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors: From Gonocytes to Testicular Cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:343. [PMID: 31244770 PMCID: PMC6563414 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Human primordial germ cells (PGCs) have been described in the yolk sac wall around the beginning of the third week. From week 4 to 5, they migrate under control of SCF/c-KIT signaling pathway to the genital ridge, where they become gonocytes. PGCs and gonocytes express classic pluripotency markers, such as KIT, NANOG, and OCT3/4 that, during spermatogonia differentiation, are gradually suppressed, and substituted by the expression of some germ cell specific genes, such as VASA, SOX17, and TSPY. These genes, during normal development of germ cells, are tightly regulated by epigenetic modification, in terms of microRNA expression and DNA methylation. In adolescents and young adults, testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) have a common precursor, the germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS); the hypothesis of their origin from PGCs or gonocytes, whose maturation is altered, is widely accepted. The origin of TGCT, probably starting at early stages of embryogenesis, seems to be a part of the Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome (TDS) where some early PGC/gonocytes, for still unclear reasons, are blocked in their differentiation, retaining their early marker profile. In this paper, current knowledge on the combination of epidemiological and genomic factors, involved in the development of testicular germ cell tumors, is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziano Baroni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Iva Arato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesca Mancuso
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Riccardo Calafiore
- Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction, University of Perugia and Saint Mary Hospital, Terni, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction, University of Perugia and Saint Mary Hospital, Terni, Italy
- *Correspondence: Giovanni Luca
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