DNA methylation profiling as a tool for testicular germ cell tumors subtyping

Aim: Assess differential patterns of selected five genes’ promoter methylation among testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) subtypes. Materials & methods: CRIPTO, HOXA9, MGMT, RASSF1A and SCGB3A1 promoter methylation levels were evaluated by quantitative methylation-specific PCR in 161 TGCT and 16 controls. Associations between clinicopathological parameters and promoter methylation levels were assessed, and receiver operating characteristics curve analysis was performed. Results: Promoter methylation of CRIPTO/HOXA9/SCGB3A1 panel and RASSF1A best discriminated between controls and nonseminomatous tumors or seminomas, respectively, whereas HOXA9/RASSF1A panel displayed the best discriminative performance between nonseminomatous tumor and seminomas. Significant differences in CRIPTO, MGMT and RASSF1A methylation levels were depicted between pure forms and matched mixed components of seminomas and embryonal carcinoma. HOXA9, RASSF1A and SCGB3A1 promoter methylation significantly associated with tumor stage. Conclusion: Different combinations of five genes’ promoter methylation levels discriminate among TGCT subtypes. Methylation patterns may also assist in identification of more clinically aggressive tumors.