Recent advances in the regulation of testicular germ cell tumors by microRNAs

Front Biosci (Landmark Ed). 2019 Mar 1;24(4):765-776. doi: 10.2741/4749.

Abstract

Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are generally rare but represent the most common solid tumors in young men. They are classified broadly into seminoma, which resemble primordial germ cells (PGCs), and non-seminoma, which are either undifferentiated (embryonic carcinoma) or differentiated (teratoma, yolk sac tumor, choriocarcinomas) patterning. A widespread role for microRNAs (miRNAs), in diverse molecular processes driving initiation and progression of various types of TGCTs has been recently studied. We discuss the involvement of different miRNAs in the development and progression of different types of TGCTs. Moreover, we highlight the aberrant expression of miRNAs in TGCTs and several targets, which may define miRNAs as oncomiRs or tumor suppressors. A better understanding of miRNA biology may ultimately yield further insight into the molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis and new therapeutic strategies against TGCTs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Embryonal / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Embryonal / genetics
  • Choriocarcinoma / diagnosis
  • Choriocarcinoma / genetics
  • Disease Progression
  • Endodermal Sinus Tumor / diagnosis
  • Endodermal Sinus Tumor / genetics
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Humans
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal / genetics*
  • Prognosis
  • Seminoma / diagnosis
  • Seminoma / genetics
  • Teratoma / diagnosis
  • Teratoma / genetics
  • Testicular Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • MicroRNAs

Supplementary concepts

  • Testicular Germ Cell Tumor