1
|
Li Y, Tian X, Luo J, Bao T, Wang S, Wu X. Molecular mechanisms of aging and anti-aging strategies. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:285. [PMID: 38790068 PMCID: PMC11118732 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01663-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging is a complex and multifaceted process involving a variety of interrelated molecular mechanisms and cellular systems. Phenotypically, the biological aging process is accompanied by a gradual loss of cellular function and the systemic deterioration of multiple tissues, resulting in susceptibility to aging-related diseases. Emerging evidence suggests that aging is closely associated with telomere attrition, DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, loss of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide levels, impaired macro-autophagy, stem cell exhaustion, inflammation, loss of protein balance, deregulated nutrient sensing, altered intercellular communication, and dysbiosis. These age-related changes may be alleviated by intervention strategies, such as calorie restriction, improved sleep quality, enhanced physical activity, and targeted longevity genes. In this review, we summarise the key historical progress in the exploration of important causes of aging and anti-aging strategies in recent decades, which provides a basis for further understanding of the reversibility of aging phenotypes, the application prospect of synthetic biotechnology in anti-aging therapy is also prospected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Li
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
| | - Xutong Tian
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
| | - Juyue Luo
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
| | - Tongtong Bao
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China
| | - Shujin Wang
- Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Wu
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cao M, Deng Y, Deng Y, Wu J, Yang C, Wang Z, Hou Q, Fu H, Ren Z, Xia X, Li Y, Wang W, Xu H, Liao X, Shu Y. Characterization of immature ovarian teratomas through single-cell transcriptome. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1131814. [PMID: 36936909 PMCID: PMC10020330 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1131814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Immature ovarian teratomas are a type of malignant germ cell tumor composed of complicated cell types and are characterized by pathological features of immature neuroectodermal tubules/rosettes. However, there is a lack of understanding of patient-derived immature ovarian teratomas (PDT) at the single cell level. Moreover, whether stem cell lines derived from immature teratomas (CDT) can be used as models for research on PDT remains to be elucidated. Methods Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and subsequent bioinformatic analysis was performed on three patient-derived immature ovarian teratomas (PDT) samples to reveal the heterogeneity, evolution trajectory, and cell communication within the tumor microenvironment of PDT. Validations were conducted in additional seven samples through multiplex immunofluorescence. Result A total of qualified 22,153 cells were obtained and divided into 28 clusters, which can match to the scRNA-seq annotation of CDT as well as human fetal Cell Atlas, but with higher heterogeneity and more prolific cell-cell crosstalk. Radial glia cells (tagged by SOX2) and immature neuron (tagged by DCX) exhibited mutually exclusive expression and differentiated along distinct evolutionary trajectory from cycling neural progenitors. Proportions of these neuroectodermal cell subtypes may play important roles in PDT through contributing to the internal heterogeneity of PDTs. Moreover, the immune cells in PDTs were infiltrated rather than teratoma-derived, with more abundant macrophage in immature neuron than those in radial glia cells, and the infiltrated macrophage subtypes (i.e., M1 and M2) were significantly correlated to clinical grade. Overall, suppressed evolution process and transcriptome regulation in neuroectodermal cells, reduced cell-cell crosstalk, higher M1/M2 proportion ratio, and enhanced T cell effects in tumor microenvironment are enriched in patients with favorable prognosis. Discussion This study provides a comprehensive profile of PDT at the single cell level, shedding light on the heterogeneity and evolution of neuroectodermal cells within PDTs and the role of immune cells within the tumor microenvironment. Also, our findings highlight the potential usage of CDTs as a model for research on PDT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minyuan Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yun Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yiqi Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Chongyi Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zijun Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qianqian Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Huancheng Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhixiang Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuyang Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yue Li
- Research Core Facility of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pathology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Heng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- *Correspondence: Yang Shu, ; Xin Liao, ; Heng Xu,
| | - Xin Liao
- Department of Pathology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- *Correspondence: Yang Shu, ; Xin Liao, ; Heng Xu,
| | - Yang Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Gastric Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- *Correspondence: Yang Shu, ; Xin Liao, ; Heng Xu,
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gadelha RB, Machado CB, Pessoa FMCDP, Pantoja LDC, Barreto IV, Ribeiro RM, de Moraes Filho MO, de Moraes MEA, Khayat AS, Moreira-Nunes CA. The Role of WRAP53 in Cell Homeostasis and Carcinogenesis Onset. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:5498-5515. [PMID: 36354684 PMCID: PMC9688736 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44110372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The WD repeat containing antisense to TP53 (WRAP53) gene codifies an antisense transcript for tumor protein p53 (TP53), stabilization (WRAP53α), and a functional protein (WRAP53β, WDR79, or TCAB1). The WRAP53β protein functions as a scaffolding protein that is important for telomerase localization, telomere assembly, Cajal body integrity, and DNA double-strand break repair. WRAP53β is one of many proteins known for containing WD40 domains, which are responsible for mediating a variety of cell interactions. Currently, WRAP53 overexpression is considered a biomarker for a diverse subset of cancer types, and in this study, we describe what is known about WRAP53β's multiple interactions in cell protein trafficking, Cajal body formation, and DNA double-strand break repair and its current perspectives as a biomarker for cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renan Brito Gadelha
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-275, CE, Brazil
| | - Caio Bezerra Machado
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-275, CE, Brazil
| | - Flávia Melo Cunha de Pinho Pessoa
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-275, CE, Brazil
| | - Laudreísa da Costa Pantoja
- Department of Pediatrics, Octávio Lobo Children’s Hospital, Belém 60430-275, PA, Brazil
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oncology Research Center, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66073-005, PA, Brazil
| | - Igor Valentim Barreto
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-275, CE, Brazil
| | | | - Manoel Odorico de Moraes Filho
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-275, CE, Brazil
| | - Maria Elisabete Amaral de Moraes
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-275, CE, Brazil
| | - André Salim Khayat
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oncology Research Center, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66073-005, PA, Brazil
| | - Caroline Aquino Moreira-Nunes
- Pharmacogenetics Laboratory, Department of Medicine, Drug Research and Development Center (NPDM), Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-275, CE, Brazil
- Department of Biological Sciences, Oncology Research Center, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66073-005, PA, Brazil
- Northeast Biotechnology Network (RENORBIO), Itaperi Campus, Ceará State University, Fortaleza 60740-903, CE, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sun H, Kim P, Jia P, Park AK, Liang H, Zhao Z. Distinct telomere length and molecular signatures in seminoma and non-seminoma of testicular germ cell tumor. Brief Bioinform 2020; 20:1502-1512. [PMID: 29579225 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bby020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are classified into two main subtypes, seminoma (SE) and non-seminoma (NSE), but their molecular distinctions remain largely unexplored. Here, we used expression data for mRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs) from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to perform a systematic investigation to explain the different telomere length (TL) features between NSE (n = 48) and SE (n = 55). We found that TL elongation was dominant in NSE, whereas TL shortening prevailed in SE. We further showed that both mRNA and miRNA expression profiles could clearly distinguish these two subtypes. Notably, four telomere-related genes (TelGenes) showed significantly higher expression and positively correlated with telomere elongation in NSE than SE: three telomerase activity-related genes (TERT, WRAP53 and MYC) and an independent telomerase activity gene (ZSCAN4). We also found that the expression of genes encoding Yamanaka factors was positively correlated with telomere lengthening in NSE. Among them, SOX2 and MYC were highly expressed in NSE versus SE, while POU5F1 and KLF4 had the opposite patterns. These results suggested that enhanced expression of both TelGenes (TERT, WRAP53, MYC and ZSCAN4) and Yamanaka factors might induce telomere elongation in NSE. Conversely, the relative lack of telomerase activation and low expression of independent telomerase activity pathway during cell division may be contributed to telomere shortening in SE. Taken together, our results revealed the potential molecular profiles and regulatory roles involving the TL difference between NSE and SE, and provided a better molecular understanding of this complex disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hua Sun
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Pora Kim
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Peilin Jia
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ae Kyung Park
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, 57922, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Liang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Systems Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhongming Zhao
- Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Alnafakh RAA, Adishesh M, Button L, Saretzki G, Hapangama DK. Telomerase and Telomeres in Endometrial Cancer. Front Oncol 2019; 9:344. [PMID: 31157162 PMCID: PMC6533802 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres at the termini of human chromosomes are shortened with each round of cell division due to the “end replication problem” as well as oxidative stress. During carcinogenesis, cells acquire or retain mechanisms to maintain telomeres to avoid initiation of cellular senescence or apoptosis and halting cell division by critically short telomeres. The unique reverse transcriptase enzyme complex, telomerase, catalyzes the maintenance of telomeres but most human somatic cells do not have sufficient telomerase activity to prevent telomere shortening. Tissues with high and prolonged replicative potential demonstrate adequate cellular telomerase activity to prevent telomere erosion, and high telomerase activity appears to be a critical feature of most (80–90%) epithelial cancers, including endometrial cancer. Endometrial cancers regress in response to progesterone which is frequently used to treat advanced endometrial cancer. Endometrial telomerase is inhibited by progestogens and deciphering telomere and telomerase biology in endometrial cancer is therefore important, as targeting telomerase (a downstream target of progestogens) in endometrial cancer may provide novel and more effective therapeutic avenues. This review aims to examine the available evidence for the role and importance of telomere and telomerase biology in endometrial cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafah A A Alnafakh
- Liverpool Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Meera Adishesh
- Liverpool Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Button
- Liverpool Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriele Saretzki
- The Ageing Biology Centre and Institute for Cell and Molecular Biosciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Dharani K Hapangama
- Liverpool Women's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,Department of Women's and Children's Health, Institute of Translational Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
A Double Fail-Safe Approach to Prevent Tumorigenesis and Select Pancreatic β Cells from Human Embryonic Stem Cells. Stem Cell Reports 2019; 12:611-623. [PMID: 30773486 PMCID: PMC6409439 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2019.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The transplantation of human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived insulin-producing β cells for the treatment of diabetes is finally approaching the clinical stage. However, even with state-of-the-art differentiation protocols, a significant percentage of undefined non-endocrine cell types are still generated. Most importantly, there is the potential for carry-over of non-differentiated cell types that may produce teratomas. We sought to modify hESCs so that their differentiated progeny could be selectively devoid of tumorigenic cells and enriched for cells of the desired phenotype (in this case, β cells). Here we report the generation of a modified hESC line harboring two suicide gene cassettes, whose expression results in cell death in the presence of specific pro-drugs. We show the efficacy of this system at enriching for β cells and eliminating tumorigenic ones both in vitro and in vivo. Our approach is innovative inasmuch as it allows for the preservation of the desired cells while eliminating those with the potential to develop teratomas. hESCs were engineered with suicide genes for safety and differentiation efficiency One cassette is exclusively expressed in teratogenic cells (safety) Another is selectively excised out in hESC-derived pancreatic β cells (selectivity) Our strategy allows for hESC-derived tumors to be prevented or ablated in vivo
Collapse
|
7
|
Barthel FP, Wei W, Tang M, Martinez-Ledesma E, Hu X, Amin SB, Akdemir KC, Seth S, Song X, Wang Q, Lichtenberg T, Hu J, Zhang J, Zheng S, Verhaak RGW. Systematic analysis of telomere length and somatic alterations in 31 cancer types. Nat Genet 2017; 49:349-357. [PMID: 28135248 DOI: 10.1038/ng.3781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 417] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells survive cellular crisis through telomere maintenance mechanisms. We report telomere lengths in 18,430 samples, including tumors and non-neoplastic samples, across 31 cancer types. Telomeres were shorter in tumors than in normal tissues and longer in sarcomas and gliomas than in other cancers. Among 6,835 cancers, 73% expressed telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), which was associated with TERT point mutations, rearrangements, DNA amplifications and transcript fusions and predictive of telomerase activity. TERT promoter methylation provided an additional deregulatory TERT expression mechanism. Five percent of cases, characterized by undetectable TERT expression and alterations in ATRX or DAXX, demonstrated elongated telomeres and increased telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA). The remaining 22% of tumors neither expressed TERT nor harbored alterations in ATRX or DAXX. In this group, telomere length positively correlated with TP53 and RB1 mutations. Our analysis integrates TERT abnormalities, telomerase activity and genomic alterations with telomere length in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Floris P Barthel
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA.,Oncology Graduate School Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Genomic Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Biostatistics, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ming Tang
- Department of Genomic Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Emmanuel Martinez-Ledesma
- Department of Genomic Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Neuro-Oncology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xin Hu
- Department of Genomic Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Program in Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Systems Biology, the University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Samirkumar B Amin
- Department of Genomic Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Graduate Program in Structural and Computational Biology and Molecular Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kadir C Akdemir
- Department of Genomic Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Sahil Seth
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xingzhi Song
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Qianghu Wang
- Department of Genomic Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Tara Lichtenberg
- Biopathology Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jian Hu
- Department of Cancer Biology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jianhua Zhang
- Institute for Applied Cancer Science, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Siyuan Zheng
- Department of Genomic Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Neuro-Oncology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Roel G W Verhaak
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Genomic Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shekhani MT, Barber JR, Bezerra SM, Heaphy CM, Gonzalez Roibon ND, Taheri D, Reis LO, Guner G, Joshu CE, Netto GJ, Meeker AK. High-resolution telomere fluorescence in situ hybridization reveals intriguing anomalies in germ cell tumors. Hum Pathol 2016; 54:106-12. [PMID: 27085557 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2016.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Revised: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) is the most common malignancy of young men. Most patients are completely cured, which distinguishes these from most other malignancies. Orchiectomy specimens (n=76) were evaluated using high-resolution (single-cell discriminative) telomere-specific fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with simultaneous Oct4 immunofluorescence to describe telomere length phenotype in TGCT neoplastic cells. For the first time, the TGCT precursor lesion, germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS) is also evaluated in depth. The intensity of the signals from cancerous cells was compared to the same patient's reference cells-namely, healthy germ cells (defined as "medium" length) and interstitial/somatic cells (defined as "short" telomere length). We observed short telomeres in most GCNIS and pure seminomas (P=.006 and P=.0005, respectively). In contrast, nonseminomas displayed longer telomeres. Lesion-specific telomere lengths were documented in mixed tumor cases. Embryonal carcinoma (EC) demonstrated the longest telomeres. A fraction of EC displays the telomerase-independent alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) phenotype (24% of cases). Loss of ATRX or DAXX nuclear expression was strongly associated with ALT; however, nuclear expression of both proteins was retained in half of ALT-positive ECs. The particular distribution of telomere lengths among TGCT and GCNIS precursors implicate telomeres anomalies in pathogenesis. These results may advise management decisions as well.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Talha Shekhani
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - John R Barber
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Stephania M Bezerra
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Christopher M Heaphy
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Diana Taheri
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Leonardo O Reis
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Gunes Guner
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Corinne E Joshu
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD; Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - George J Netto
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD
| | - Alan K Meeker
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD; Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD; Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Cárcano FM, Vidal DO, van Helvoort Lengert A, Neto CS, Queiroz L, Marques H, Baltazar F, da Silva Martinelli CM, Soares P, da Silva ECA, Lopes LF, Reis RM. Hotspot TERT promoter mutations are rare events in testicular germ cell tumors. Tumour Biol 2015; 37:4901-7. [PMID: 26526580 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-4317-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The abnormal activation of telomerase, codified by the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene, is related to one of cancer hallmarks. Hotspot somatic mutations in the promoter region of TERT, specifically the c.-124:C>T and c.-146:C>T, were recently identified in a range of human cancers and have been associated with a more aggressive behavior. Testicular germ cell tumors frequently exhibit a good prognosis; however, the development of refractory disease is still a clinical challenge. In this study, we aim to evaluate for the first time the presence of the hotspot telomerase reverse transcriptase gene promoter mutations in testicular germ cell tumors. A series of 150 testicular germ cell tumor cases and four germ cell tumor cell lines were evaluated by PCR followed by direct Sanger sequencing and correlated with patient's clinical pathological features. Additionally, we genotyped the telomerase reverse transcriptase gene promoter single nucleotide polymorphism rs2853669 (T>C) located at -245 position. We observed the presence of the TERT promoter mutation in four patients, one exhibited the c.-124:C>T and three the c.-146:C>T. No association between TERT mutation status and clinicopathological features could be identified. The analysis of the rs2853669 showed that variant C was present in 22.8 % of the cases. In conclusion, we showed for the first time that TERT promoter mutations occur in a small subset (~3 %) of testicular germ cell tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Mavignier Cárcano
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil.,Barretos School of Health Sciences, Dr. Paulo Prata-FACISB, Barretos, Brazil
| | - Daniel Onofre Vidal
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, 1331, Rua Antenor Duarte Villela St, CEP 14784 400, Barretos, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Barretos Children's Cancer Hospital, 3025, Avenida João Baroni, Barretos, Brazil
| | - André van Helvoort Lengert
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, 1331, Rua Antenor Duarte Villela St, CEP 14784 400, Barretos, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Barretos Children's Cancer Hospital, 3025, Avenida João Baroni, Barretos, Brazil
| | - Cristovam Scapulatempo Neto
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, 1331, Rua Antenor Duarte Villela St, CEP 14784 400, Barretos, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Pathology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | - Luisa Queiroz
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital de Braga, Braga, Portugal
| | | | - Fátima Baltazar
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Health Sciences School, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Camila Maria da Silva Martinelli
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, 1331, Rua Antenor Duarte Villela St, CEP 14784 400, Barretos, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula Soares
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto-IPATIMUP, Porto, Portugal.,Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal.,Medical Faculty, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Luiz Fernando Lopes
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, 1331, Rua Antenor Duarte Villela St, CEP 14784 400, Barretos, Sao Paulo, Brazil. .,Barretos Children's Cancer Hospital, 3025, Avenida João Baroni, Barretos, Brazil.
| | - Rui Manuel Reis
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, 1331, Rua Antenor Duarte Villela St, CEP 14784 400, Barretos, Sao Paulo, Brazil. .,Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Health Sciences School, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal. .,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
van der Zwan YG, Biermann K, Wolffenbuttel KP, Cools M, Looijenga LH. Gonadal Maldevelopment as Risk Factor for Germ Cell Cancer: Towards a Clinical Decision Model. Eur Urol 2015; 67:692-701. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2014.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
|
11
|
Boublikova L, Buchler T, Stary J, Abrahamova J, Trka J. Molecular biology of testicular germ cell tumors: Unique features awaiting clinical application. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2014; 89:366-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2013.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2013] [Revised: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
|
12
|
O’Connor WG, Bianchi GD, Willis MS, McCudden CR. Testicular Mass in a 40-Year-Old Man. Lab Med 2011. [DOI: 10.1309/lm0qfesymx42nlxb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
|
13
|
Rivera C, Arame A, Jougon J, Velly JF, Begueret H, Dahan M, Riquet M. Prognostic factors in patients with primary mediastinal germ cell tumors, a surgical multicenter retrospective study. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg 2010; 11:585-9. [DOI: 10.1510/icvts.2010.238717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
|
14
|
Looijenga LHJ. Human testicular (non)seminomatous germ cell tumours: the clinical implications of recent pathobiological insights. J Pathol 2009; 218:146-62. [PMID: 19253916 DOI: 10.1002/path.2522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Human germ cell tumours (GCTs) comprise several types of neoplasias with different pathogeneses and clinical behaviours. A classification into five subtypes has been proposed. Here, the so-called type II testicular GCTs (TGCTs), ie the seminomas and non-seminomas, will be reviewed with emphasis on pathogenesis and clinical implications. Various risk factors have been identified that define subpopulations of men who are amenable to early diagnosis. TGCTs are omnipotent, able to generate all differentiation lineages, both embryonic and extra-embryonic, as well as the germ cell lineage itself. The precursor lesion, composed of primordial germ cells/gonocytes, is referred to as carcinoma in situ of the testis (CIS) and gonadoblastoma of the dysgenetic gonad. These pre-malignant cells retain embryonic characteristics, which probably explains the unique responsiveness of the derived tumours to DNA-damaging agents. Development of CIS and gonadoblastoma is crucially dependent on the micro-environment created by Sertoli cells in the testis, and granulosa cells in the dysgenetic gonad. OCT3/4 has high sensitivity and specificity for CIS/gonadoblastoma, seminoma, and embryonal carcinoma, and is useful for the detection of CIS cells in semen, thus a promising tool for non-invasive screening. Overdiagnosis of CIS due to germ cell maturation delay can be avoided using immunohistochemical detection of stem cell factor (SCF). Immunohistochemistry is helpful in making the distinction between seminoma and embryonal carcinoma, especially SOX17 and SOX2. The different non-seminomatous histological elements can be recognized using various markers, such as AFP and hCG, while others need confirmation. The value of micro-satellite instability as well as BRAF mutations in predicting treatment resistance needs validation in prospective trials. The availability of representative cell lines, both for seminoma and for embryonal carcinoma, allows mechanistic studies into the initiation and progression of this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leendert H J Looijenga
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC-Erasmus University Medical Center, Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center, Josephine Nefkens Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Looijenga L. Fortschritte in der Grundlagenforschung bei testikulären Keimzelltumoren. Urologe A 2009; 48:350-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00120-009-1948-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
16
|
Blum B, Bar-Nur O, Golan-Lev T, Benvenisty N. The anti-apoptotic gene survivin contributes to teratoma formation by human embryonic stem cells. Nat Biotechnol 2009; 27:281-7. [PMID: 19252483 DOI: 10.1038/nbt.1527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2008] [Accepted: 01/28/2009] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Teratomas derived from human embryonic stem (hES) cells are unique among oncogenic phenomena as they are polyclonal and develop from apparently normal cells. A deeper understanding of this process should aid in the development of safer cell therapies and may help elucidate the basic principles of tumor initiation. We find that transplantation of diploid hES cells from four independent cell lines generates benign teratomas with no sign of malignancy or persisting embryonal carcinoma-like cells. In contrast, mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells from four cell lines consistently generate malignant teratocarcinomas. Global gene expression analysis shows that survivin (BIRC5), an anti-apoptotic oncofetal gene, is highly expressed in hES cells and teratomas but not in embryoid bodies. Genetic and pharmacological ablation of survivin induces apoptosis in hES cells and in teratomas both in vitro and in vivo. We suggest that continued expression of survivin upon differentiation in vivo may contribute to teratoma formation by hES cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barak Blum
- Stem Cell Unit, Department of Genetics, The Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sirintrapun SJ, Parwani AV. Molecular Pathology of the Genitourinary Tract: Molecular Pathology of Kidney and Testes. Surg Pathol Clin 2009; 2:199-223. [PMID: 26838102 DOI: 10.1016/j.path.2008.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
With the advent of newer molecular technologies, our knowledge of cellular mechanisms with tumors of the kidney and testis has grown exponentially. Molecular technologies have led to better understanding of interplay between the von Hippel-Lindau gene and angiogenic cytokines in renal cancer and isochromosome 12p in testicular neoplasms. The result has been development of antiangiogenic-targeted therapy within recent years that has become the mainstay treatment for metastatic renal cell cancer. In the near future, classification and diagnosis of renal and testicular tumors through morphologic analysis will be supplemented by molecular information correlating to prognosis and targeted therapy. This article outlines tumor molecular pathology of the kidney and testis encompassing current genomic, epigenomic, and proteonomic findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Joseph Sirintrapun
- Pathology Informatics, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
| | - Anil V Parwani
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Shadyside Hospital, Room WG 07, 5230 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zheng YL, Hu N, Sun Q, Wang C, Taylor PR. Telomere attrition in cancer cells and telomere length in tumor stroma cells predict chromosome instability in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a genome-wide analysis. Cancer Res 2009; 69:1604-14. [PMID: 19190333 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-08-3028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies showed that chromosomal instability was common in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC); however, the mechanisms underlying this instability are unknown. Individuals with deficiencies in telomere maintenance are susceptible to enhanced telomere loss during cell proliferation; such deficiencies could result in telomere dysfunction and genomic instability. We investigated the association between genome-wide chromosomal changes in cancer cells and telomere length/attrition in cancer/stroma cells in 47 ESCC patients. Genome-wide detection of loss of heterozygosity was performed using the Affymetrix GeneChip single nucleotide polymorphism arrays. Telomere length was assessed separately for cancer cells, carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAF), infiltrative lymphocytes, and adjacent normal epithelial cells by quantitative fluorescent in situ hybridization using paraffin-embedded sections. Telomere length differed significantly among cell types, such that length in infiltrative lymphocytes > CAFs > cancer cells. Shortened telomeres were observed in cancer cells in 44 of 47 (94%) of the tumors examined. Telomere length in CAFs was significantly associated with chromosomal instability on 4q and 13q and lymphocyte telomere length was significantly associated with instability on chromosomal arms 15q. Although telomere length in cancer cells was not associated with chromosome arm instability, telomere attrition in cancer cells, defined as the telomere length in CAFs minus the telomere length in cancer cells, was significantly associated with chromosomal instability on 13q and 15q. This study provides evidence that telomere shortening is a common genetic alteration in ESCC and that chromosome arm instability is related to both telomere attrition in cancer cells and telomere length in tumor stroma cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Ling Zheng
- Cancer Genetics and Epidemiology Program, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia 20057, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Hersmus R, de Leeuw BHCGM, Wolffenbuttel KP, Drop SLS, Oosterhuis JW, Cools M, Looijenga LHJ. New insights into type II germ cell tumor pathogenesis based on studies of patients with various forms of disorders of sex development (DSD). Mol Cell Endocrinol 2008; 291:1-10. [PMID: 18403106 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2008.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2007] [Accepted: 02/26/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Disorders of sex development (DSD), previously known as intersex, refer to congenital conditions in which development of chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex is atypical. Patients with specific variants of this disorder have an elevated risk for the development of so-called type II germ cell cancers, i.e., the seminomatous and nonseminatous tumors, referred to as germ cell tumors (GCTs). Specifically DSD patients with gonadal dysgenesis or hypovirilization are at risk. A prerequisite for type II GCT formation is the presence of a specific part of the Y chromosome (referred to as the GBY region), with the TSPY gene being the most likely candidate. Also the octamer binding transcription factor OCT3/4 is consistently expressed in all type II GCTs with pluripotent potential, as well as in the precursor lesions carcinoma in situ (CIS) in case of a testis and gonadoblastoma (GB) in the DSD gonad. The actual risk for malignant transformation in individual DSD patients is hard to predict, because of confusing terminology referring to the different forms of DSD, and unclear criteria for identification of the presence of malignant germ cells, especially in young patients. This is specifically due to the phenomenon of delay of germ cell maturation, which might result in over diagnosis. This review will give novel insight into the pathogenesis of the type II GCTs through the study of patients with various forms of DSD for which the underlying molecular defect is known. To allow optimal understanding of the pathogenesis of this type of cancers, first normal gonadal development, especially regarding the germ cell lineage, will be discussed, after which type II GCTs will be introduced. Subsequently, the relationship between type II GCTs and DSD will be described, resulting in a number of new insights into the development of the precursor lesions of these tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Remko Hersmus
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center Rotterdam, Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center, Josephine Nefkens Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
McIntyre A, Gilbert D, Goddard N, Looijenga L, Shipley J. Genes, chromosomes and the development of testicular germ cell tumors of adolescents and adults. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2008; 47:547-57. [PMID: 18381640 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.20562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) of adults and adolescents are thought to be derived from primordial germ cells or gonocytes. TGCTs develop postpuberty from precursor lesions known as intratubular germ cell neoplasia undifferentiated. The tumors can be divided into two groups based on their histology and clinical behavior; seminomas resemble primordial germ cells or gonocytes and nonseminomas resemble embryonic or extraembryonic tissues at various stages of differentiation. The most undifferentiated form of nonseminoma, embryonal carcinoma, resembles embryonic stem cells in terms of morphology and expression profiling, both mRNAs and microRNAs. Evidence supports both environmental factors and genetic predisposition underlying the development of TGCTs. Various models of development have been proposed and are discussed. In TGCTs, gain of material from the short arm of chromosome 12 is invariable: genes from this region include the proto-oncogene KRAS, which has activating mutations in approximately 10% of tumors or is frequently overexpressed. A number of different approaches to increase the understanding of the development and progression of TGCTs have highlighted the involvement of KIT, RAS/RAF/MAPK, STAT, and PI3K/AKT signaling. We review the role of these signaling pathways in this process and the potential influence of environmental factors in the development of TGCTs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alan McIntyre
- Molecular Cytogenetics, Section of Molecular Carcinogenesis, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5NG, UK
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
de Jong J, Stoop H, Gillis AJM, Hersmus R, van Gurp RJHLM, van de Geijn GJM, van Drunen E, Beverloo HB, Schneider DT, Sherlock JK, Baeten J, Kitazawa S, van Zoelen EJ, van Roozendaal K, Oosterhuis JW, Looijenga LHJ. Further characterization of the first seminoma cell line TCam-2. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2008; 47:185-96. [DOI: 10.1002/gcc.20520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
|
22
|
Looijenga LHJ, Hersmus R, Oosterhuis JW, Cools M, Drop SLS, Wolffenbuttel KP. Tumor risk in disorders of sex development (DSD). Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2007; 21:480-95. [PMID: 17875493 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2007.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Disorders of sex development (DSD), previously referred to as intersex disorders, comprise a variety of anomalies defined by congenital conditions in which chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex is atypical. Besides issues such as gender assignment, clinical and diagnostic evaluation, surgical and psychosocial management, and sex steroid replacement, the significantly increased risk for developing specific types of malignancies is both clinically and biologically relevant. This relates to germ-cell tumors specifically in DSD patients with hypovirilization or gonadal dysgenesis. The presence of a well-defined part of the Y chromosome (known as the GBY region) is a prerequisite for malignant transformation, for which the testis-specific protein on the Y chromosome (TSPY) is a likely candidate gene. The precursor lesions of these cancers are carcinoma in situ (CIS)/intratubular germ-cell neoplasia unclassified (ITGCNU) in testicular tissue and gonadoblastoma in those without obvious testicular differentiation. Most recently, undifferentiated gonadal tissue (UGT) has been identified as the likely precursor for gonadoblastoma. The availability of markers for the different developmental stages of germ cells allows detailed investigation of the characteristics of normal and (pre)malignant germ cells. Although informative in a diagnostic setting for adult male patients, these markers - such as OCT3/4 - cannot easily distinguish (pre)malignant germ cells from germ cells showing delayed maturation. This latter phenomenon is frequently found in gonads of DSD patients, and may be related to the risk of malignant transformation. Thus, the mere application of these markers might result in over-diagnosis and unnecessary gonadectomy. It is proposed that morphological and histological evaluation of gonadal tissue, in combination with OCT3/4 and TSPY double immunohistochemistry and clinical parameters, is most informative in estimating the risk for germ-cell tumor development in the individual patient, and might in future be used to develop a decision tree for optimal management of patients with DSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leendert H J Looijenga
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center, Josephine Nefkens Institute, Building Be, Room 430b, Dr Molewaterplein 50, 3015 GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Bartkova J, Horejsí Z, Sehested M, Nesland JM, Rajpert-De Meyts E, Skakkebaek NE, Stucki M, Jackson S, Lukas J, Bartek J. DNA damage response mediators MDC1 and 53BP1: constitutive activation and aberrant loss in breast and lung cancer, but not in testicular germ cell tumours. Oncogene 2007; 26:7414-22. [PMID: 17546051 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1210553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
MDC1 and 53BP1 are critical components of the DNA damage response (DDR) machinery that protects genome integrity and guards against cancer, yet the tissue expression patterns and involvement of these two DDR adaptors/mediators in human tumours remain largely unknown. Here we optimized immunohistochemical analyses of human 53BP1 and MDC1 proteins in situ and identified their virtually ubiquitous expression, both in proliferating and quiescent, differentiated tissues. Focus formation by 53BP1 and/or MDC1 in human spermatogenesis and subsets of breast and lung carcinomas indicated physiological and 'pathological' activation of the DDR, respectively. Furthermore, aberrant reduction or lack of either protein in significant proportions of carcinomas supported the candidacy of 53BP1 and MDC1 for tumour suppressors. Contrary to carcinomas, almost no activation or loss of MDC1 or 53BP1 were found among testicular germ-cell tumours (TGCTs), a tumour type with unique biology and exceptionally low incidence of p53 mutations. Such concomitant presence (in carcinomas) or absence (in TGCTs) of DDR activation and DDR aberrations supports the roles of MDC1 and 53BP1 within the ATM/ATR-regulated checkpoint network which, when activated, provides an early anti-cancer barrier the pressure of which selects for DDR defects such as p53 mutations or loss of 53BP1/MDC1 during cancer progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Bartkova
- Institute of Cancer Biology and Centre for Genotoxic Stress Research, Danish Cancer Society, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Mueller S, Hartmann U, Mayer F, Balabanov S, Hartmann JT, Brummendorf TH, Bokemeyer C. Targeting telomerase activity by BIBR1532 as a therapeutic approach in germ cell tumors. Invest New Drugs 2007; 25:519-24. [PMID: 17534576 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-007-9063-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2007] [Accepted: 04/27/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Germ cell tumors (GCT) possess a high activity of telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein complex compensating the erosion of telomeres during cell division by adding TTAGGG-repeats to the telomeric ends of chromosomes. Cisplatin, the most important drug in the treatment of GCT, preferentially acts on G-rich regions like telomeres. Inhibiting telomerase in tumors can result in telomere shortening and senescence and could increase the efficacy of chemotherapy in refractory patients. The study evaluated the promise of the small molecule telomerase inhibitor BIBR1532 as single agent and assessed a possible synergism with cisplatin in a preclinical model of GCT.GCT-derived cell line 2102EP was cultured with or without 10 microM of BIBR1532. Cell expansion was quantified in population doublings (PD). Telomere length was analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization and flow cytometry (flow-FISH). The sensitivity of the cells towards cisplatin was determined by MTT-assay. Telomerase activity was assessed by TRAP assay. After 300 PD, telomere length diminished from 18.5 kb +/- 0.59 kb to 8.9 +/- 0.1 kb in BIBR1532 treated 2102 EP cells as compared to 14.5 +/- 0.0 kb in untreated control cells. Treated cells did not show altered growth kinetics compared to untreated counterparts. Despite effective shortening of telomeres, the sensitivity of the treated cells towards cisplatin did not increase. Concomitant treatment with BIBR1532 and cisplatin did not result in accelerated telomere shortening. Telomere length can be shortened significantly by telomerase inhibition in GCT cell line models. However, possibly in view of their extensive telomere "reserve," telomerase inhibition did neither result in increased sensitivity of 2102 EP cells to cisplatin nor did co-treated cells show accelerated telomere shortening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Mueller
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, Immunology and Rheumatology, Medical Center, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lantuéjoul S, Salon C, Soria JC, Brambilla E. Telomerase expression in lung preneoplasia and neoplasia. Int J Cancer 2007; 120:1835-41. [PMID: 17311257 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.22473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Telomeres are specialized structures at eukaryotic chromosomes ends, which role is to prevent them from degradation, end to-end fusion and rearrangement. However, they shorten after each cellular division because of an incomplete DNA replication, acting in normal somatic cells as a mitotic clock for permanent proliferation arrest or senescence entry. Short telomeres are perceived as damaged DNA leading to p53/ATM pathway activation. In tumoral cells, a ribonucleoprotein complex termed telomerase enables telomere elongation. This complex, composed of 2 main components, the telomerase RNA component or hTR, the RNA template for telomere synthesis, and telomerase reverse transcriptase, the catalytic subunit, is reactivated in the majority of cancers, including those of the lung. In this review, we briefly present the main results on telomerase expression in various histological types of lung carcinoma and in bronchial carcinogenesis along with telomere attrition. Inhibition of one of the main components of the enzyme or limitation of telomere access by telomerase represent novel targets for cancer therapies and chemoprevention in high risk patients of lung cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Lantuéjoul
- Department of Pathology and Lung Cancer Research Group INSERM U 578, Institut A Bonniot, CHU Michallon, Grenoble, France
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Abstract
Human telomeres are composed of long repeating sequences of TTAGGG, associated with a variety of telomere-binding proteins. Its function as an end-protector of chromosomes prevents the chromosome from end-to-end fusion, recombination and degradation. Telomerase acts as reverse transcriptase in the elongation of telomeres, which prevent the loss of telomeres due to the end replication problems. However, telomerase activity is detected at low level in somatic cells and high level in embryonic stem cells and tumor cells. It confers immortality to embryonic stem cells and tumor cells. In most tumor cells, telomeres are extremely short and stable. Telomere length is an important indicator of the telomerase activity in tumor cells and it may be used in the prognosis of malignancy. Thus, the assessment of telomeres length is of great experimental and clinical significance. This review describes the role of telomere and telomerase in cancer pathogenesis and the dynamics of the telomeres length in different cell types. The various methods of measurement of telomeres length, i.e. southern blot, hybridization protection assay, fluorescence in situ hybridization, primed in situ, quantitative PCR and single telomere length analysis are discussed. The principle and comparative evaluation of these methods are reviewed. The detection of G-strand overhang by telomeric-oligonucleotide ligation assay, primer extension/nick translation assay and electron microscopy are briefly discussed.
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
The germ-cell tumours are a fascinating group of neoplasms because of their unusual biology and the spectacular therapeutic results that have been obtained in these tumours. Traditionally, this group of neoplasms is presented in an organ-oriented approach. However, recent clinical and experimental data convincingly demonstrate that these neoplasms are one disease with separate entities that can manifest themselves in different anatomical sites. We propose five entities, in which the developmental potential is determined by the maturation stage and imprinting status of the originating germ cell. Recent progress begins to explain the apparent unpredictable development of germ-cell tumours and offers a basis for understanding their exquisite sensitivity to therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Wolter Oosterhuis
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Daniel den Hoed Cancer Center, Josephine Nefkens Institute, Dr. Molewaterplein 50, 3015 GE Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Verstovsek S, Giles FJ, O'Brien S, Faderl S, Kantarjian HM, Keating MJ, Albitar M. Telomerase activity is not a prognostic factor in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Leuk Res 2004; 28:707-11. [PMID: 15158092 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2003.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2002] [Accepted: 11/18/2003] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
We measured telomerase activity (TA) in bone marrow samples from 214 patients with CLL and correlated it with patients' characteristics and survival. In >50% of cases (126/214; 59%) no detectable TA was found. There was no difference in TA between previously treated (n = 153) and untreated (n = 61) patients (P = 0.4), or patients with various Rai (0-IV) stages (P = 0.85). TA correlated significantly with white blood cell and lymphocyte count (P = 0.02 and 0.01, respectively) but not with bone marrow cellularity, beta2-microglobulin (beta2M), or other patient characteristics. Patients who had no TA had slightly lower beta2M and lower lymphocyte counts (P = 0.5 and 0.04, respectively) as compared with patients with detectable TA. However, there was no correlation between TA and survival. This data suggests that TA may not play a significant role in the clinical behavior of CLL.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Bone Marrow Cells
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/enzymology
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/mortality
- Leukocyte Count
- Lymphocyte Count
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasm Staging
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Prognosis
- Telomerase/analysis
- Telomerase/metabolism
- beta 2-Microglobulin/analysis
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Srdan Verstovsek
- Department of Leukemia, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Mayer F, Honecker F, Looijenga LHJ, Bokemeyer C. Towards an understanding of the biological basis of response to cisplatin-based chemotherapy in germ-cell tumors. Ann Oncol 2003; 14:825-32. [PMID: 12796018 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdg242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy is far more successful in young male patients with germ-cell tumors than in adults suffering from almost any other solid tumor. Various attempts have been made to understand the sensitivity of these tumors towards cisplatin-based chemotherapy; however, to date no explanation has been generally accepted. Recent data underline the need to seek further explanations, other than the previously postulated high intrinsic level of wild-type P53 protein, for the exquisite curability of germ-cell tumors. In this regard, the DNA repair pathways, in particular the DNA mismatch repair and nucleotide excision repair pathways, have received attention. This review summarizes the data currently available on the cellular basis for chemotherapy response in these tumors by systematically following cisplatin-presumably the most active drug in the treatment of this disease-on its course from entering the cell to the execution of apoptosis. The emerging picture points towards a multifactorial explanation for the unique chemosensitivity of germ-cell tumors, including a lack of export pumps, an inability to detoxify cisplatin and repair the respective DNA damage, and an intact apoptotic cascade not disturbed by anti-apoptotic stimuli. Even though no uniform pattern of relevant resistance factors has been identified in patients suffering from refractory disease, a significant number of these cases may be caused by defects in the DNA mismatch repair pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Mayer
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Tübingen Medical Center, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
Telomerase, a critical enzyme responsible for continuous cell growth, is repressed in most somatic cells except proliferating progenitor cells and activated lymphocytes, and activated in approximately 85% of human cancer tissues. Telomerase activity is a useful cancer-cell detecting marker in some types of cancers in which almost all cases show telomerase activation. In other types in which telomerase becomes upregulated according to tumor progression, it is a useful prognostic indicator. Detection of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) mRNA or protein in various clinical samples is also applicable. However, careful attention should be paid to the false negative results due to the instability of this enzyme or hTERT mRNA and the existence of polymerase chain reaction inhibitors as well as the false-positive results due to the contamination by normal cells with telomerase activity. If these pitfalls are avoided, in situ detection of hTERT mRNA or protein will facilitate the reliability of telomerase as a tumor marker.
Collapse
|
31
|
Schrader M, Burger AM, Müller M, Krause H, Straub B, Schostak M, Schulze W, Lauke H, Miller K. The differentiation status of primary gonadal germ cell tumors correlates inversely with telomerase activity and the expression level of the gene encoding the catalytic subunit of telomerase. BMC Cancer 2002; 2:32. [PMID: 12459049 PMCID: PMC139987 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-2-32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2002] [Accepted: 11/29/2002] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The activity of the ribonucleoprotein enzyme telomerase is detectable in germ, stem and tumor cells. One major component of telomerase is human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), which encodes the catalytic subunit of telomerase. Here we investigate the correlation of telomerase activity and hTERT gene expression and the differentiation status of primary testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT). METHODS Telomerase activity (TA) was detected by a quantitative telomerase PCR ELISA, and hTERT mRNA expression was quantified by online RT-PCR in 42 primary testicular germ cell tumors. The control group consisted of benign testicular biopsies from infertile patients. RESULTS High levels of telomerase activity and hTERT expression were detected in all examined undifferentiated TGCTs and in the benign testicular tissue specimens with germ cell content. In contrast, differentiated teratomas and testicular control tissue without germ cells (Sertoli-cell-only syndrome) showed no telomerase activity and only minimal hTERT expression. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate an inverse relationship between the level of telomerase activity and hTERT mRNA expression and the differentiation state of germ cell tumors. Quantification of telomerase activity and hTERT mRNA expression enables a new molecular-diagnostic subclassification of germ cell tumors that describes their proliferation potential and differentiation status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Schrader
- Department of Urology, Universitätsklinikum Benjamin Franklin, Freie Universität Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, Germany
| | - Angelika M Burger
- Tumor Biology Center, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Str. 117, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Markus Müller
- Department of Urology, Universitätsklinikum Benjamin Franklin, Freie Universität Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans Krause
- Department of Urology, Universitätsklinikum Benjamin Franklin, Freie Universität Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, Germany
| | - Bernd Straub
- Department of Urology, Universitätsklinikum Benjamin Franklin, Freie Universität Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Schostak
- Department of Urology, Universitätsklinikum Benjamin Franklin, Freie Universität Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Schulze
- Department of Andrology, University of Hamburg, Martinistraβe 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Heidrun Lauke
- Department of Anatomy, University of Hamburg, Martinistraβe 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kurt Miller
- Department of Urology, Universitätsklinikum Benjamin Franklin, Freie Universität Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Mizutani Y, Sato N, Kawauchi A, Nonomura N, Fukushima M, Miki T. Cisplatin-induced in vivo differentiation of human embryonal carcinoma. BJU Int 2002; 89:454-8. [PMID: 11872042 DOI: 10.1046/j.1464-4096.2001.01794.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the differentiation of embryonal carcinoma (EC) by cisplatin, and the underlying mechanism, as untreated metastases of nonseminomatous germ cell tumours rarely consist of fully differentiated mature somatic tissues, but such mature metastases are more common after various treatments, including chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS The TTSC-3 human testicular EC line heterotransplanted into nude mice was used as a target. After treating tumour-bearing mice with intraperitoneal injections of varying doses of cisplatin, the histopathology of the tumours was assessed and various gene expressions in the tumours determined by cDNA-array technology. RESULTS When cisplatin at 1 mg/kg/week was injected intraperitoneally into TTSC-3-bearing mice, there was no effect on tumour growth. However, injecting cisplatin at 5 mg/kg/week induced a marked regression of the tumour. In contrast, cisplatin at 3 mg/kg/week had a modest inhibitory effect on tumour growth and induced tumour dormancy. Histological examination showed that 5 weeks after injecting cisplatin (3 mg/kg/week), primitive mesenchymal-like cells increased, and 10 weeks afterward cartilage and well-developed glands (teratoma) were apparent; at > 15 weeks afterward there were no EC cells visible. cDNA probes from reverse-transcribed mRNAs of TTSC-3 treated with cisplatin or saline for 10 weeks were compared to identify genes differentially expressed in cisplatin-treated TTSC-3. Of 1176 different human cDNA transcripts in cisplatin-treated TTSC-3, three genes (tumour necrosis factor receptor 1, caspase 8 and Apaf1), which are associated with apoptosis, were expressed markedly more than after saline injection. CONCLUSIONS The intermediate dose of cisplatin inhibited tumour growth of EC by inducing differentiation and enhancing apoptosis-related gene expression. These findings suggest that cisplatin may play a significant role in the differentiation of EC in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y Mizutani
- Department of Urology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Keith WN, Jeffry Evans TR, Glasspool RM. Telomerase and cancer: time to move from a promising target to a clinical reality. J Pathol 2001; 195:404-14. [PMID: 11745671 DOI: 10.1002/path.1001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The past 25 years have seen unparalleled advances in our understanding of the molecular basis of cancer. As a result, novel molecular targets have been identified that provide great potential for the development of new cancer diagnostics and therapies. Four key features of cancer cells distinguish them from their normal counterparts: loss of cell-cycle regulation, loss of control over invasion and metastasis, failure of apoptotic mechanisms, and bypass of senescence. This review examines our understanding of the bypass of senescence and the process of immortalization during carcinogenesis. In addition, the realistic opportunities for telomerase in cancer diagnostics and the challenges faced in clinical trial design for telomerase therapeutics are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W N Keith
- CRC Department of Medical Oncology, University of Glasgow, CRC Beatson Laboratories, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
|
35
|
Abstract
A large variety of mass lesions have been reported in the region of the pineal gland. Pineal parenchymal tumors and germ cell tumors (GCTs) are especially characteristic of this region. Despite their rarity, a number of excellent studies on the cytogenetics and molecular genetics of pineal parenchymal tumors and pineal region GCTs have been published. These studies draw attention to a number of distinct genomic regions recurrently involved in the various subtypes of malignancies of the pineal gland. Outcomes for tumors in this location vary widely between patients and among differing histologies. Development of novel therapies for patients with poor prognoses will depend on the acquisition of a more detailed understanding of the molecular basis associated with the etiopathogenesis of these neoplasms. We review the literature on cytogenetics, familial syndromes, animal models and molecular genetics of pineal region neoplasms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M D Taylor
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Affiliation(s)
- CLAUDIO ORLANDO
- From the Clinical Biochemistry Unit Department of Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence and Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - STEFANIA GELMINI
- From the Clinical Biochemistry Unit Department of Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence and Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - CESARE SELLI
- From the Clinical Biochemistry Unit Department of Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence and Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - MARIO PAZZAGLI
- From the Clinical Biochemistry Unit Department of Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence and Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
|
38
|
Abstract
In 1994 a sensitive method for the detection of telomerase was described. This assay, which was based on the polymerase chain reaction, suggested that telomerase activity was associated with immortal and cancer cells. Since then more than a thousand studies have documented the expression and activity of the enzyme in diseased tissues, primarily tumours. This review gives an overview of the biological significance of telomerase expression and methods for detecting its activity. This is followed by an organ system-based discussion of expression in normal tissues and disease states. We finish with speculation as to the future role of telomerase detection in diagnostic histopathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Matthews
- Department of Pathology, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff, UK.
| | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Nowak R, Sikora K, Pietas A, Skoneczna I, Chrapusta SJ. Germ cell-like telomeric length homeostasis in nonseminomatous testicular germ cell tumors. Oncogene 2000; 19:4075-8. [PMID: 10962566 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1203746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Telomere maintenance plays an important role in cell proliferation and tumor survival. Human male germ cells, which carry long telomeres and express telomerase, give rise to a highly heterogeneous group of malignant tumors. We compared telomeric length and telomerase activity between two major histological types of primary testicular germ cell tumors. Fifteen out of 16 seminoma samples revealed telomeric restriction fragment (TRF) length below 13 kb; the remaining seminoma showed a major TRF fraction of 18 kb and a distinct minor fraction of above 23 kb length. In contrast, all 13 samples from nonseminomas showed TRF length >/=23 kb, which is similar to that reported in human sperm. Nine out of 11 seminoma specimens and six out of seven nonseminomas studied showed moderate to high telomerase activity, the only telomerase-negative nonseminoma being pure mature teratoma. These results indicate to a major difference in telomeric length between seminomas and nonseminomas, which is apparently unrelated to the presence of telomerase activity, and suggest a germline-like homeostasis of telomeric length is preserved in human nonseminomas. Oncogene (2000) 19, 4075 - 4078.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Nowak
- Department of Molecular Biology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Center and Institute of Oncology, 5 Roentgena St., 02-781 Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Achi MV, Ravindranath N, Dym M. Telomere length in male germ cells is inversely correlated with telomerase activity. Biol Reprod 2000; 63:591-8. [PMID: 10906069 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod63.2.591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomeres, the noncoding sequences at the ends of chromosomes, progressively shorten with each cellular division. Spermatozoa have very long telomeres but they lack telomerase enzymatic activity that is necessary for de novo synthesis and addition of telomeres. We performed a telomere restriction fragment analysis to compare the telomere lengths in immature rat testis (containing type A spermatogonia) with adult rat testis (containing more differentiated germ cells). Mean telomere length in the immature testis was significantly shorter in comparison to adult testis, suggesting that type A spermatogonia probably have shorter telomeres than more differentiated germ cells. Then, we isolated type A spermatogonia from immature testis, and pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids from adult testis. Pachytene spermatocytes exhibited longer telomeres compared to type A spermatogonia. Surprisingly, although statistically not significant, round spermatids showed a decrease in telomere length. Epididymal spermatozoa exhibited the longest mean telomere length. In marked contrast, telomerase activity, measured by the telomeric repeat amplification protocol was very high in type A spermatogonia, decreased in pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids, and was totally absent in epididymal spermatozoa. In summary, these results indicate that telomere length increases during the development of male germ cells from spermatogonia to spermatozoa and is inversely correlated with the expression of telomerase activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M V Achi
- Department of Cell Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia 20007, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|