Related Experiment Videos
[CD143 expression in testicular germ cell tumors]
F E Franke1, K Pauls, L Kerkman
1Institut für Pathologie, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen.
Verhandlungen Der Deutschen Gesellschaft Fur Pathologie
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Somatic CD143 (sCD143) is found in human testicular germ cell tumors, unlike normal germ cells which only express the testicular form (tCD143). This suggests sCD143 may be involved in germ cell proliferation and useful for diagnosing seminomas.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Oncology
- Reproductive biology
Context:
- CD143 (angiotensin I-converting enzyme) exists as testicular (tCD143) and somatic (sCD143) isoforms.
- tCD143 is expressed during spermatogenesis, while sCD143 is found in other cell types.
- Germ cell tumors (GCTs) and intratubular germ cell neoplasms (IGCNs) are studied in adult humans.
Purpose:
- To investigate the expression of CD143 isoforms in normal and neoplastic human germ cells.
- To analyze CD143 isoform expression during germ cell development and in various testicular cancers.
Summary:
- Both mRNA and protein for sCD143 were detected in neoplastic cells of IGCNs and most seminomas, contrasting with normal germ cells expressing only tCD143.
- sCD143 expression patterns differed in fetal germ cells and GCTs compared to PLAP/GCAP.
- The study employed RT-PCR, in-situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry on various testicular tissues.
Impact:
- Demonstrates significant changes in CD143 isoform expression during germ cell development and maturation.
- Suggests sCD143 involvement in germinal stem cell proliferation and supports the 'embryonic state' concept for neoplastic germ cells.
- Indicates a molecular link between IGCN and seminoma, proposing sCD143 as a potential diagnostic marker for seminomas alongside PLAP/GCAP.