Background: The NANOG gene, a member of the homeobox family of DNA binding transcription factors, was recently identified in a screen for pluripotency-promoting genes. NANOG overexpression in murine embryonic stem cells is sufficient to maintain self-renewal and to block differentiation. The NANOG gene is located on human chromosome 12p13, a region frequently duplicated in human tumors of germ cell origin and in cultured human embryonic stem cells. Here we investigate the expression and gene copy number of NANOG in human germ cells and tumors of germ cell origin.
Methods: Immunohistochemistry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) were used to examine the expression and gene copy number of the human NANOG gene in germ cell tumors.
Results: NANOG protein was detected in germline stem cells (gonocytes) within the developing testis. Immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR analysis were used to demonstrate that NANOG is highly and specifically expressed in carcinoma in situ (CIS), embryonal carcinomas, and seminomas, but not in teratomas and yolk sac tumors.
Conclusions: NANOG expression in germline stem cells (gonocytes), CIS, embryonal carcinoma, and seminoma reveals a molecular and developmental link between germ cell tumors and the embryonic cells from which they arise. Identification of NANOG as a molecular marker of undifferentiated germ cell tumors provides a novel tool for identifying and classifying tumors of germ cell origin.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/cncr.21435 | DOI Listing |
Curr Oncol
November 2024
Department of Medicine and Surgery, Kore University of Enna, 94100 Enna, Italy.
(1) Background: Testicular cancer, although accounting for only 0.5% to 1% of all solid male cancers, is the most common malignancy in males aged 15 to 35 years. Non-seminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT) represent nearly half of all testicular germ cell tumors and are associated with a more aggressive clinical course.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAnimal Model Exp Med
December 2024
Frontiers Science Center for Molecular Design Breeding (MOE), State Key Laboratory of Animal Biotech Breeding, College of Biological Sciences, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
Background: Traditional DNA microinjection methods used in mammals are difficult to apply to avian species due to their unique reproductive characteristics. Genetic manipulation in chickens, particularly involving immature follicles within living ovaries, has not been extensively explored. This study seeks to establish an efficient method for generating transgenic chickens through ovarian injection, potentially bypassing the challenges associated with primordial germ cell (PGC) manipulation and fertilized egg microinjection.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJCEM Case Rep
January 2025
Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, School of Medicine, Fujita Health University, Aichi 470-1192, Japan.
Lymphocytic infundibuloneurohypophysitis (LINH) is a disease with an etiology involving an autoimmune mechanism, characterized by lymphocytic inflammation of the posterior pituitary and infundibular stalk, resulting in arginine vasopressin deficiency. It is difficult to distinguish from pituitary neoplasm or infiltrative diseases, and biopsy is necessary for a definitive diagnosis, but this is highly invasive. In children, it is especially important to distinguish LINH from tumors such as germ cell tumors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJCEM Case Rep
January 2025
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Gävle Hospital, University of Gävle, SE-80324 Gävle, Sweden.
Androgen secretion by testicular germ-cell tumors (GCTs) appears to be markedly rare and likely underreported in the literature. This case study highlights a patient with such a rare tumor, underscoring a notable and yet easily avoidable diagnostic oversight in one of the most prevalent cancers among men. We advocate for increased vigilance and the inclusion of specific symptomatic screening for hyperandrogenism of select patients in existing guidelines and, where appropriate, the implementation of standardized hormonal laboratory analyses in both pre- and post-orchidectomy assessments.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Gynaecol Obstet
December 2024
Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, Human Reproduction Section, São Paulo Federal University (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
Transgender people have been experiencing significant advancements in their social visibility, although they continue to face frequent discrimination and exclusion. Among the issues encompassing transgender individuals' health care, the right to reproductive and sexual health have gained traction in the study landscape, necessitating an exploration of fertility preservation options for these patients. This report sheds light on the process of cryopreserving gametes and ovarian tissue after total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for gender reassignment in a transgender man in hormonal masculinization.
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