Genomics of embryonal carcinomas and embryonal stem cells

Embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells found in testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) represent a striking paradigm for malignant cells with stemness properties. Their pluripotent state allows them to self-renew as well as differentiate to give a disorganized array of cell and tissue types. EC cells are morphologically similar to embryonic stem (ES) cells, and the two also share cell surface markers and overall gene expression programmes.

Overall, this implies that ES cells can be considered the non-malignant counterpart of EC cells, providing the rare situation where the ‘normal’ counterpart of a cancer cell with stemness properties is readily accessible, and can be observed through its progression to the malignant state.

We aim to gain insight into the role of stem cells in the development and progression of TGCTs in particular and cancer in general, by comparing gene expression of EC and ES cells across the genome at high resolution. Through this, we hope to identify novel malignancy-specific markers for clinical application in TGCTs and the other cancer types in which they are found.