Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 6, 2026

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
07:25

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer

Published on: March 6, 2018

13.5K

Cause and consequence of cancer/testis antigen activation in cancer

Angelique W Whitehurst1

  • 1Simmons Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-8807;

Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology
|October 29, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Tumor cells often reactivate cancer/testis antigens (CTAs), typically found in germ cells. Recent findings show these CTAs may directly support tumor growth and cell-autonomous functions, not just serve as vaccine targets.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Tumor cells display epigenetic alterations affecting protein expression.
  • Genes normally restricted to germ cells are frequently reactivated in tumors.
  • These reactivated genes encode cancer/testis antigens (CTAs), known for immunogenicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the history and current understanding of CTAs.
  • To present recent findings on the functional roles of CTAs in tumorigenesis.
  • To explore if CTAs support cell-autonomous tumor behaviors.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of CTA field history.
  • Analysis of recent research on CTA functional roles.
  • Examination of evidence for CTAs in cell-autonomous tumor functions.

Main Results:

  • CTAs are frequently expressed in tumors due to epigenetic changes.
  • CTAs have been primarily considered as vaccine targets.
  • Emerging evidence suggests CTAs actively support tumorigenic features and cell-autonomous behaviors.

Conclusions:

  • CTAs are not only immunogenic targets but also functional contributors to cancer.
  • Reactivated testis proteins play direct roles in supporting tumor cell regulation.
  • Further research into CTA functions is crucial for understanding tumorigenesis.

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: A Model to Study the Systemic and Local Dynamics of CD8+ T Cells During LN Metastasis07:45

Author Spotlight: A Model to Study the Systemic and Local Dynamics of CD8+ T Cells During LN Metastasis

Published on: January 26, 2024

2.6K
Testing Cancer Immunotherapeutics in a Humanized Mouse Model Bearing Human Tumors15:24

Testing Cancer Immunotherapeutics in a Humanized Mouse Model Bearing Human Tumors

Published on: December 16, 2022

3.9K

Related Concept Videos

Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes01:33

Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
9.2K
Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes01:33

Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes

6.1K
Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity01:25

Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity

Mutagenicity and carcinogenicity refer to the ability of drugs to cause genetic defects and induce cancer, respectively. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies agents into four groups based on their carcinogenic potential. Group 1 agents are known human carcinogens; group 2A agents are probably carcinogenic to humans; group 3 agents lack data to support their role in carcinogenesis; and group 4 includes agents for which data support that they are not likely to be...
2.0K
Disorders of the Male Reproductive System01:20

Disorders of the Male Reproductive System

Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
5.2K
Cancer Prevention02:59

Cancer Prevention

Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
6.5K
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
8.3K