Talin1 is downregulated in testicular germ cell tumors according to combined bioinformatics and experimental approaches

Sep 22, 2026

Upload by Asher

Talin1 is a focal adhesion protein implicated in cell adhesion and migration, yet its function in testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) is unclear. The study integrated bioinformatics with immunohistochemical validation by analyzing GEO and proteomics datasets to identify differential genes, then applying Venn, Gene Ontology, and protein-protein interaction analyses to highlight Talin1 in adhesion and migration pathways. Prognostic value was assessed using TCGA and GTEx, followed by immunohistochemistry in 191 TGCT tissues. Reduced Talin1 correlated with more aggressive clinicopathologic features.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages18

Reading Time45 min

AccessFree to download

Background and Rationale

Study Approach and Integrated Analyses

Differential Expression and Pathway Enrichment

Prognostic Evaluation

Experimental Validation in TGCT Tissues

Immunohistochemistry Findings

Biological Significance of Talin1

Clinical Implications and Biomarker Potential

[www. nature.com/scientificreports](www. nature.com/scientificreports) OPEN Talin1 is downregulated in testicular germ cell tumors according to combined bioinformatics and experimental approaches Mahdieh Razmi1, AynaYazdanpanah1,2, Somayeh Vafaei1,3, Mandana Rahimi4, Roya Ghods1,3, Sima Saki1, Zahra Madjd1,3,5􀀍 & Leili Saeednejad Zanjani1,5􀀍 Talin1 is a focal adhesion protein involved in cell adhesion and migration, with abnormal expression linked to cancer progression. However, its role in testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate Talin1 expression inTGCTs using integrated bioinformatics and immunohistochemical approaches. Differentially expressed genes were identified through GEO and proteomics datasets. Venn diagram, Gene Ontology (GO), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analyses revealed Talin1 as a key gene in cell adhesion and migration pathways. Prognostic relevance was assessed using TCGA and GTEx data. Talin1 expression was further examined via immunohistochemistry on 191 TGCT tissues. Results showed that reduced Talin1 expression was associated with higher pT-stage in seminomas (P = 0.036), embryonal carcinoma (P = 0.021), and teratomas (P = 0.044). It was also significantly linked to venous invasion (P = 0.021) and tunica vaginalis invasion (P = 0.049) in embryonal carcinoma, as well as hilum involvement and the presence of tumorinfiltrating lymphocytes in yolk sac tumors. These findings suggest that decreased cytoplasmic Talin1 expression correlates with aggressive tumor behavior and disease progression inTGCTs. Talin1 may have potential as a prognostic biomarker inTGCTs, though further functional studies are necessary to elucidate its mechanistic role and therapeutic significance. Keywords Talin1, Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), Embryonal carcinoma, Yolk sac tumor, Immunohistochemistry (IHC), Bioinformatics analysis Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most commonly diagnosed cancer in young men, particularly in the age range of 20 to 40 years, with the prevalence steadily increasing globally, according to the World Health Organization’s Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN)1,2. TGCTs account for more than 90% of all testicular cancers and are divided into two categories: those developed from germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS) and those unrelated to GCNIS. The GCNIS subtypes include seminomas and non-seminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCTs), which comprise embryonal carcinoma, yolk sac tumor, teratoma, choriocarcinoma, and mixed germ cell tumors3,4. While TGCTs are generally highly treatable and respond well to cisplatin-based chemotherapy, challenges persist in the form of short-and longterm complications, and a subset of patients eventually develop resistance to chemotherapy. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms underlying TGCT development, recurrence, and metastasis remain poorly understood5. 1Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran. 2Department of Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran. 3Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran. 4Hasheminejad Kidney Center, Pathology Department, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran. 5These authors contributed equally and are joint co-corresponding authors: Zahra Madjd and Leili Saeednejad Zanjani. 􀀍 email: [zahra.madjd@yahoo.com](zahra.madjd@yahoo.com); [majdjabari.z@iums.ac.ir](majdjabari.z@iums.ac.ir); [saeednejadleily@yahoo.com](saeednejadleily@yahoo.com) [www. nature.com/scientificreports/](www. nature.com/scientificreports/) The identification of new biomarkers is essential, as they can improve diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of diseases6,7. Currently, α-fetoprotein (AFP), the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (β

FAQs

What was the primary aim of this study on Talin1 in TGCTs?

To evaluate Talin1 expression in testicular germ cell tumors using integrated bioinformatics and immunohistochemical approaches.

Which analytical methods were used to identify Talin1-related pathways?

Differentially expressed genes were identified from GEO and proteomics datasets, followed by Venn diagram, Gene Ontology, and protein-protein interaction analyses.

How did Talin1 expression relate to clinicopathologic features in TGCTs?

Reduced Talin1 expression was associated with higher pT-stage in seminomas, embryonal carcinoma, and teratomas, and it was linked to venous invasion and tunica vaginalis invasion in embryonal carcinoma, as well as other adverse features in yolk sac tumors.

Sep 22, 2026

Upload by Asher