Hippo signaling pathway in human testis and seminoma: anticancer effect of verteporfin on human seminoma TCam-2 cells

AbstractSection Aim

Seminoma and embryonal carcinoma are among the most common germ cell tumors. Verteporfin, a YAP-TEAD inhibitor, has emerged as a potential anticancer agent. This study investigated the localization of Hippo signaling proteins in human testis, seminoma, and non-seminoma tissues, and examined verteporfin’s effects on TCam-2 seminoma cells.

AbstractSection Methods

Protein localization in tissues was assessed using immunohistochemistry. TCam-2 cells were treated with various concentrations of verteporfin (1–40 µM) for 24, 48, and 72 h. Protein and gene expression were analyzed via immunofluorescence, western blotting, and qRT-PCR.

AbstractSection Results

Hippo pathway proteins showed distinct localization patterns across tissue types. Verteporfin treatment caused a dose- and time-dependent decrease in protein levels without altering mRNA expression. It also induced nuclear-to-cytoplasmic translocation of pathway proteins and reduced cell proliferation, migration, and viability, while simultaneously promoting apoptosis in TCam-2 human seminoma cells.

AbstractSection Conclusion

Verteporfin may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy for seminoma by targeting Hippo signaling. These findings support its potential role in personalized treatment approaches for testicular cancer.

AbstractSection Graphical abstract

This graphical abstract summarizes the localization of Hippo pathway components in human testicular tissues and the dose-dependent effects of verteporfin on TCam-2 seminoma cells. It highlights verteporfin's ability to modulate protein localization, reduce cell viability and migration, and promote apoptosis, suggesting its potential as a targeted therapeutic agent.