PMID: 7518576Aug 1, 1994Paper

Allelic loss and somatic differentiation in human male germ cell tumors

Oncogene
V V MurtyR S Chaganti

Abstract

The complex but poorly understood human male germ cell tumors offer unusual opportunities for the genetic analysis of malignant transformation and embryonal differentiation in a pluripotential stem cell lineage. Histologically, these tumors are divided into two major subgroups, seminomas which are characterized by inability to express embryonal differentiation, and non-seminomas which are characterized by ability to express embryonal as well as extra-embryonal patterns of differentiation. To understand the role of genetic factors in the development of these tumors and the regulation of differentiation expressed by them, we carried out a detailed allelotype analysis by the loss of heterozygosity assay. This analysis revealed frequent deletions in known tumor suppressor genes (RB1, DCC, NME), a number of previously described sites of candidate tumor suppressor genes (3p, 9p, 9q, 10q, 11p, 11q and 17p), as well as several novel sites (2p, 3q, 5p, 12q, 18p and 20p). Our results also showed that well differentiated teratomas exhibit a significantly higher level of allelic loss compared to the less differentiated embryonal carcinomas. In addition, certain loci and genes exhibited frequent non-random deletion in teratomas (D3S32, D3S4...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.