Abstract
Since the discovery of testicular carcinoma in situ (CIS) - the precursor cell for the vast majority of germ cell tumours - it has been proposed that CIS cells could be derived from transformed primordial germ cells or gonocytes. Here, we review recent discoveries not only substantiating that initial hypothesis but also indicating that CIS cells have a striking phenotypic similarity to embryonic stem cells (ESC). Many cancers have been proposed to originate from tissue-specific stem cells [so-called 'cancer stem cells' (CSC)] and we argue that CIS may be a very good example of a CSC, but with exceptional features due to the retention of embryonic pluripotency. In addition, considering the fact that pre-invasive CIS cells are transformed from early fetal cells, possibly due to environmentally induced alterations of the niche, we discuss potential risks linked to the uncontrolled therapeutic use of ESC.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 211-218 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | International Journal of Andrology |
| Volume | 29 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Feb 2006 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Cancer stem cells
- Carcinoma in situ
- Embryonic stem cells
- Testicular germ cell cancers
Cite this
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From embryonic stem cells to testicular germ cell cancer - Should we be concerned? / Almstrup, Kristian; Sonne, Si Brask; Hoei-Hansen, Christina E.; Ottesen, Anne Marie; Nielsen, John E.; Skakkebæk, Niels E.; Leffers, Henrik; Meyts, Ewa Rajpert De.
In: International Journal of Andrology, Vol. 29, No. 1, 01.02.2006, p. 211-218.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer-review
TY - JOUR
T1 - From embryonic stem cells to testicular germ cell cancer - Should we be concerned?
AU - Almstrup, Kristian
AU - Sonne, Si Brask
AU - Hoei-Hansen, Christina E.
AU - Ottesen, Anne Marie
AU - Nielsen, John E.
AU - Skakkebæk, Niels E.
AU - Leffers, Henrik
AU - Meyts, Ewa Rajpert De
PY - 2006/2/1
Y1 - 2006/2/1
N2 - Since the discovery of testicular carcinoma in situ (CIS) - the precursor cell for the vast majority of germ cell tumours - it has been proposed that CIS cells could be derived from transformed primordial germ cells or gonocytes. Here, we review recent discoveries not only substantiating that initial hypothesis but also indicating that CIS cells have a striking phenotypic similarity to embryonic stem cells (ESC). Many cancers have been proposed to originate from tissue-specific stem cells [so-called 'cancer stem cells' (CSC)] and we argue that CIS may be a very good example of a CSC, but with exceptional features due to the retention of embryonic pluripotency. In addition, considering the fact that pre-invasive CIS cells are transformed from early fetal cells, possibly due to environmentally induced alterations of the niche, we discuss potential risks linked to the uncontrolled therapeutic use of ESC.
AB - Since the discovery of testicular carcinoma in situ (CIS) - the precursor cell for the vast majority of germ cell tumours - it has been proposed that CIS cells could be derived from transformed primordial germ cells or gonocytes. Here, we review recent discoveries not only substantiating that initial hypothesis but also indicating that CIS cells have a striking phenotypic similarity to embryonic stem cells (ESC). Many cancers have been proposed to originate from tissue-specific stem cells [so-called 'cancer stem cells' (CSC)] and we argue that CIS may be a very good example of a CSC, but with exceptional features due to the retention of embryonic pluripotency. In addition, considering the fact that pre-invasive CIS cells are transformed from early fetal cells, possibly due to environmentally induced alterations of the niche, we discuss potential risks linked to the uncontrolled therapeutic use of ESC.
KW - Cancer stem cells
KW - Carcinoma in situ
KW - Embryonic stem cells
KW - Testicular germ cell cancers
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=33645228168&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2005.00643.x
DO - 10.1111/j.1365-2605.2005.00643.x
M3 - Article
VL - 29
SP - 211
EP - 218
JO - International Journal of Andrology
JF - International Journal of Andrology
SN - 0105-6263
IS - 1
ER -