Recreating early testicular cancer precursors in the lab
Reconstituting human testicular germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS) in vitro using iPSC-derived primordial germ cell-like cells (PGCLCs) and genetically engineered human testicular cancer cells
They will grow patient-derived germ cells in lab models to recreate the early precursors of adult testicular cancer for young men at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11314558 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will make induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from people with testicular cancer and turn them into primordial germ cell–like cells (PGCLCs). They will introduce genetic changes linked to Germ Cell Neoplasia In Situ (GCNIS) and grow these cells in testicular organoid cultures or transplant them to reproduce the prenatal precursor lesions. By modeling GCNIS in controlled lab systems, researchers aim to see how early cancer changes arise and persist. This approach uses patient-derived cells and engineered tumor cells to better mimic human testicular cancer development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adult men (age 21+) with a history of testicular cancer or with biopsy-confirmed GCNIS who are willing to donate tissue or provide cells for research.
Not a fit: People without a personal history or measurable risk of testicular cancer are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help improve early detection, prevention strategies, and new treatments for adult testicular cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Making germ cell–like cells and organoids has shown promise in other labs, but recreating human GCNIS specifically is largely novel and experimentally challenging.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shioda, Toshihiro — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Shioda, Toshihiro
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.