Germ cell specific gene expression in cancer

We have found that over one thousand genes are exclusively expressed in germ cells and cancer cells, suggesting many shared properties between these cell types. In particular, many genes involved in meiosis are expressed in cancer, likely allowing a cancer cell to repair DNA through semimeiotic recombination. By using the shared properties of cancer and germline cells, we can gain a better understanding of oncogenesis and develop new anticancer therapies that have limited side effects.