Communication network between pluripotency factors in Embryonic Stem Cell-like cells and their role in testicular germ cell cancer

In stem cells, the activation of specific powerful factors, such as OCT4, NANOG, KLF4, and SOX2, in conjunction with transcriptional control, triggers potency in both sperm-producing and cancerous stem cells. In the present study, we not only construct a protein-protein network and examine the roles of these factors in the development and advancement of testicular germ cell cancer but also explore the immunohistochemistry of the mentioned genes in pseudo-embryonic stem cells (ESC-like cells).

In this experimental study, the String database was used along with software tools, such as Cytoscape and Gephi, to examine the strength and interaction between these genes and construct functional networks. Following this, spermatogonial stem cells were isolated from mice, and after culture, ESC-like cells were manually generated from them. Subsequently, the expression of OCT4, NANOG, KLF4, and SOX2 in these ESC-like cells was investigated using immunocytochemistry (ICC).

According to the bioinformatics results, the target genes exhibit very strong interactions with each other, leading to the enhancement of their functionality and the enrichment of signaling pathways, particularly in cancer. Furthermore, the permanent expression of the OCT4 gene and the expression of the NANOG, SOX2, and KLF4 genes were demonstrated in ESC-like cells.

These data provide further insights into the potential of ESC-like cells. Given the highly interconnected network among these mentioned genes, their roles in enriching cancer pathways, and their key role in advancing spermatogenesis for male infertility treatment and cancer diagnosis, they have significant importance. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the potential therapeutic applications of these genes and open avenues for further research in these areas.