Background: The similarities between gametogenic and carcinogenesis processes have been noted for more than decades. Among prominent similarities between these two processes is expression of a group of antigens, namely cancer-testis antigens in both the testes and various cancer tissues. Outer dense fiber (ODF) proteins are testis-specific proteins localized to sperm tails and involved in sperm motility.
Methods: We performed a computerized search of the MEDLINE/PUBMED databases with keywords "outer dense fiber, ODF, cancer, testis, gametogenesis and infertility".
Results: The results of animal and human studies show ODF contribution to male fertility. In addition, ODFs are expressed in some cancers, including prostate adenocarcinoma, breast cancer, chronic myeloid leukemia and basal cell carcinoma.
Conclusion: ODF expression analysis in cancer may pave the way for identification of cancer biomarkers or therapeutic targets.