1,721,072 research outputs found
GPR30: A new potential therapeutic target in human testicular germ cell tumors
No full textThe G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPR30) is suggested to exert a role in non-nuclear estrogen signalling and is over-expressed in a variety of hormone dependent tumors. It is well known that estrogens and xenoestrogens are involved in testicular germ cell tumorigenesis. Different studies show that down regulation of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) associates with GPR30 over-expression both in human testicular carcinoma in situ (CIS) and seminomas and that the mitogenic role exerted by 17β-oestradiol induces the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) through GPR30. In conclusion, the exposure to oestrogens or oestrogen-mimics, in some as of yet undefined manner, diminishes the ERβ-mediated growth restraint in CIS and in human testicular seminoma, indicating that GPR30 could be considered a potential therapeutic target to design specific inhibitors
An up-date on novel molecular targets in testicular germ cell tumors subtypes
No full textTesticular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most frequent solid malignant tumors in men 20-34 years of age and the most frequent cause of death from solid tumors in this age group. In addition, the incidence of these tumors has significantly increased over the last few decades. Testicular germ cell tumors are classified into seminoma and nonseminoma germ cell tumors (NSGCTs). NSGCTs can be further divided into embryonal carcinoma, Teratoma, yolk sac tumor, and choriocarcinoma. There are noteworthy differences about therapy and prognosis of seminomas and nonseminoma germ cell tumors, even though both share characteristics of the primordial germ cells (PGCs). Many discovered biomarkers including HMGA1, GPR30, Aurora-B, estrogen receptor beta, and others have given further advantage to discriminate between histological subgroups and could represent useful molecular therapeutic targets
ESTROGEN-INDUCED AKT-1 ACTIVITY IN THE LIZARD (PODARCIS SICULA) TESTIS.
No full textThere are always more evidences indicating that 17 beta-estradiol (E-2) is to be necessary for normal male fertility. Here we report the expression of the most ubiquitously expressed member of the akt family of genes, akt1, in the lizard (Podarcis s. sicula) testis. We have used a nonmarnmalian vertebrate model (the lizard P. s. sicula) to investigate the regulation of the serine/threonine kinase Akt activity, implicated in the control of cell proliferation, survival, and metabolism, in the testis during the annual sexual cycle and to study whether E-2 exerts a role in the spermatogenesis through Akt-1 activity. Immunocytochemistry analysis show that Akt-1 proteins are present in the spermatogonia (SPG), and spermatocytes (SPC), and spermaticls (SPT). The annual E-2 profile shows a progressive increase during the active spermatogenesis (from April to June) and a peak in the month of August (spermatogonial mitosis). In parallel, Akt-1 (molecular weight 60 kDa) are highly phosphorylated during the period of active spermatogenesis and in post-refractory period (August) compared with the winter stasis (from November to March). Present results demonstrate that E-2 treatment induces the activation of Akt-1, and this effect is counteracted by the anti-estrogen ICI 182-780. (c) 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc
Expression of PCNA in the Testis of the lizard, Podarcis s. sicula: an Endogenous Molecular Marker of the Mitotic Germinal Epithelium Proliferation
No full textMiRNAs and biomarkers in testicular germ cell tumors: An update
No full textTesticular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the leading form of solid cancer and death affecting males between the ages of 20 and 40. Today, their surgical resection and chemotherapy are the treatments of first choice, even if sometimes this is not enough to save the lives of patients with TGCT. As seen for several tumors, the deregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) is also a key feature in TGCTs. miRNAs are small molecules of RNA with biological activity that are released into biological fluids by testicular cancer cells. Their presence, therefore, can be detected and monitored by considering miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic markers for TGCTs. The purpose of this review is to collect all the studies executed on miRNAs that have a potential role as biomarkers for testicular tumors
New anti-cancer strategies in testicular germ cell tumors
No full textThe most common solid malignancy of young men aged 20 to 34 years is testicular germ cell tumor. In addition, the incidence of these tumors has significantly increased throughout the last years. Testicular germ cell tumors are classified into seminoma and nonseminoma germ cell tumors, which take in yolk sac tumor, embryonal cell carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, and teratoma. There are noteworthy differences about therapy and prognosis of seminomas and nonseminoma germ cell tumors, even though both share characteristics of the primordial germ cells
Further insights into testicular germ cell tumor oncogenesis: potential therapeutic targets
No full textIntroduction: Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most common neoplasia in the young male population, and the incidence has been constantly increasing in many parts of the world. These tumors are classified into seminomas and non-seminomas, and those divided, in turn, into yolk sac tumors, embryonal cell carcinomas, choriocarcinomas, and teratomas. Although therapeutic approaches have improved, approximately 25% of the patients relapse or, in a small number of cases, show platinum-resistant disease. Areas covered: We review several molecular targets that have recently emerged as powerful tools for both diagnosis and therapy of TGCTs. Moreover, we reviewed the most frequent deregulated pathways involved in TGCT tumorigenesis, reporting drugs that may emerge as novel therapeutic agents. Expert opinion: TGCT treatment is mainly based on platinum-derivative therapy with high cure rates. However, in the refractory patients, there are few alternative treatments. Thus, different pharmacological approaches have to be thoroughly investigated to shed new light on TGCT pathogenesis and treatment
Expression of PCNA in the Testis of the lizard, Podarcis s. sicula: an Endogenous Molecular Marker of the Mitotic Germinal Epithelium Proliferation
No full textExpression of PCNA in the Testis of the lizard, Podarcis s. sicula: an Endogenous Molecular Marker of the Mitotic Germinal Epithelium Proliferation
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