Testicular germ cell tumors and infertility: Exploring epigenetic dysregulation in the journey of the male germ cell towards new biomarkers and therapeutics.

The development of male germ cells comprises a series of differentiation events that culminate in the formation of spermatozoa. From the primordial germ cell (PGC) to the spermatid, an array of epigenetic events take place in different stages of life. Disruptions in these mechanisms due to external factors can ultimately lead to decreased fertility and to testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs). In this review, we highlight how DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) contribute to normal male germ cell development and discuss how disturbances in this epigenetic machinery can compromise fertility and induce neoplasia. Furthermore, the bidirectional relationship between infertility and TGCTs is discussed. Finally, we disclose the utility of "epidrugs" and ncRNAs as promising therapeutic options and TGCT biomarkers, respectively.