Endocrine disruptors (EDs) belong to a large group of compounds, usually present as environmental pollutants, which can alter the homeostasis of living organisms by modifying hormonal balance and changing the normal patterns of gene regulation during development and cell differentiation. Hence, the development of male gonads and their functionality may be affected by exposure to specific EDs or their mixtures. The molecular mechanisms of action of these reprotoxicants leading to pathologies of the reproductive system such as testicular cancer, are complex and not well characterized. It is likely, however, that these compounds alter the interaction between the mechanisms of gene regulation and functional gene networks in windows of risk, mainly during embryonic development. Moreover, such changes could be transmitted through generations by epigenetic mechanisms. There are examples of the action of EDs on the expression of mRNAs, small non-coding RNAs and epigenetic marks in the developing testis associated with cellular and molecular alterations found in germ cell tumors. In the present review, we will discuss various aspects of genetic, transcriptomic and epigenetic changes related to testicular development, exposure to EDs and the occurrence of germ cell tumors.

Del Mazo, J., Brieño Enríquez, M., García López, J., López Fernández, L., DE FELICI, M. (2013). Endocrine disruptors, gene deregulation and male germ cell tumors. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY, 57(2-4), 225-239 [10.1387/ijdb.130042jd].

Endocrine disruptors, gene deregulation and male germ cell tumors

DE FELICI, MASSIMO
2013-01-01

Abstract

Endocrine disruptors (EDs) belong to a large group of compounds, usually present as environmental pollutants, which can alter the homeostasis of living organisms by modifying hormonal balance and changing the normal patterns of gene regulation during development and cell differentiation. Hence, the development of male gonads and their functionality may be affected by exposure to specific EDs or their mixtures. The molecular mechanisms of action of these reprotoxicants leading to pathologies of the reproductive system such as testicular cancer, are complex and not well characterized. It is likely, however, that these compounds alter the interaction between the mechanisms of gene regulation and functional gene networks in windows of risk, mainly during embryonic development. Moreover, such changes could be transmitted through generations by epigenetic mechanisms. There are examples of the action of EDs on the expression of mRNAs, small non-coding RNAs and epigenetic marks in the developing testis associated with cellular and molecular alterations found in germ cell tumors. In the present review, we will discuss various aspects of genetic, transcriptomic and epigenetic changes related to testicular development, exposure to EDs and the occurrence of germ cell tumors.
2013
Pubblicato
Rilevanza internazionale
Articolo
Sì, ma tipo non specificato
Settore BIO/17 - ISTOLOGIA
English
Con Impact Factor ISI
Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal; Humans; Endocrine Disruptors; Testicular Neoplasms; Epigenesis, Genetic; Male; Environmental Pollutants
Del Mazo, J., Brieño Enríquez, M., García López, J., López Fernández, L., DE FELICI, M. (2013). Endocrine disruptors, gene deregulation and male germ cell tumors. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY, 57(2-4), 225-239 [10.1387/ijdb.130042jd].
Del Mazo, J; Brieño Enríquez, M; García López, J; López Fernández, L; DE FELICI, M
Articolo su rivista
File in questo prodotto:
Non ci sono file associati a questo prodotto.

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2108/87248
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 39
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 34
social impact