Epigenetics and testicular germ cell tumors

Malignant testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most frequent testicular cancers in Caucasian males, developing at the most productive age of man. We are briefly reviewing TGCT-tumorigenesis with an emphasis on epigenetics. Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation and histone modifications together with RNA interference that all change gene expression are driving early spermatogenesis. Deregulation of normal development might lead to a testicular germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS), from which TGCTs originate. The breakthrough epigenetic research, both in normal development and TGCT tumorigenesis, has been going on to find better biomarkers and therapy for this type of tumors.