Analysis of Transposon Control Pathways in Germinal Cancers of the Testicle
Analysis of Transposon Control Pathways in Germinal Cancers of the Testicle
By analogy with the mouse, the activity of control pathways for transposable elements (TE) in
 foetal primordial germinal cells could prove to be a determinant for fertility in adulthood
 in humans. Moreover, defects in the control of transposable elements (TE) could also
 contribute to the aetiology of germinal testicular cancer, by inducing chromosomal
 instability and tumorigenesis. In this context, the aim is to analyse a specific type of
 adult germinal testicular cancers, seminomas. Directly related to our research interest, the
 histological, transcriptomic and epigenetic features of theses adult tumours are reminiscent
 of germinal cells normally present in foetuses. The investigator postulates that these
 similarities could also extend to the biology of transposable elements (TE), and in
 particular to the initiation of the control of these elements. The management of seminomas
 requires surgery, orchiectomy, which consists of the total excision of the affected
 testicles. Using high-resolution high-throughput sequencing techniques, we propose to analyse
 the control pathways of transposable elements (TE) in tumour samples harvested from surgical
 pieces in comparison with adjacent healthy tissue. The results obtained in these tumour
 samples will be compared with those in normal foetal gonad samples.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  men who have provided oral consent

 -  men with germinal testicular cancer with negative or low serum markers (Alpha Foeto
 Protein AFP and Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin hCG), indicators of a seminomatous-type
 tumour

 -  men who have undergone orchiectomy (total excision of the affected testicle)

 -  confirmation of the diagnosis of seminomatous or non-seminomatous type by histology of
 the surgical piece

 -  absence of hepatitis B or C or infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  men without national health insurance cover

 -  Adults under guardianship