Recurrent gain of function mutation in calcium channel CACNA1H causes early-onset hypertension with primary aldosteronism

SFE/SFHTA/AFCE consensus on primary aldosteronism, part 5: Genetic diagnosis of primary aldosteronism

While the majority of cases of primary aldosteronism (PA) are sporadic, four forms of autosomal-dominant inheritance have been described: familial hyperaldosteronism (FH) types I to IV. FH-I, also called glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism, is characterized by early and severe hypertension, usually before the age of 20 years. It is due to the formation of a chimeric gene between the adjacent CYP11B2 and CYP11B1 genes (coding for aldosterone synthase and 11β-hydroxylase, respectively). FH-I is often associated with family history of stroke before 40years of age. FH-II is clinically and biochemically indistinguishable from sporadic forms of PA and is only diagnosed on the basis of two or more affected family members. No causal genes have been identified so far and no genetic test is available. FH-III is characterized by severe and early-onset hypertension in children and young adults, resistant to treatment and associated with severe hypokalemia. Mild forms, resembling FH-II, have been described. FH-III is due to gain-of-function mutations in the KCNJ5 gene. Recently, a new autosomal-dominant form of familial PA, FH-IV, associated with mutations in the CACNA1H gene, was described in patients with hypertension and PA before the age of 10years. In rare cases, PA may be associated with complex neurologic disorder involving epileptic seizures and cerebral palsy (Primary Aldosteronism, Seizures, and Neurologic Abnormalities [PASNA]) due to de novo germline CACNA1D mutations.

KCNK3 Variants Are Associated With Hyperaldosteronism and Hypertension

Blood pressure (BP) is a complex trait that is the consequence of an interaction between genetic and environmental determinants. Previous studies have demonstrated increased BP in mice with global deletion of TASK-1 channels contemporaneous with diverse dysregulation of aldosterone production. In humans, genome-wide association studies in ≈100 000 individuals of European, East Asian, and South Asian ancestry identified a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in KCNK3 (the gene encoding TASK-1) associated with mean arterial pressure. The current study was motivated by the hypotheses that (1) association of KCNK3 SNPs with BP and related traits extends to blacks and Hispanics, and (2) KCNK3 SNPs exhibit associations with plasma renin activity and aldosterone levels. We examined baseline BP measurements for 7840 participants from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), and aldosterone levels and plasma renin activity in a subset of 1653 MESA participants. We identified statistically significant association of the previously reported KCNK3 SNP (rs1275988) with mean arterial pressure in MESA blacks (P=0.024) and a nearby SNP (rs13394970) in MESA Hispanics (P=0.031). We discovered additional KCNK3 SNP associations with systolic BP, mean arterial pressure, and hypertension. We also identified statistically significant association of KCNK3 rs2586886 with plasma aldosterone level in MESA and demonstrated that global deletion of TASK-1 channels in mice produces a mild-hyperaldosteronism, not associated with a decrease in renin. Our results suggest that genetic variation in the KCNK3 gene may contribute to BP variation and less severe hypertensive disorders in which aldosterone may be one of several causative factors.

Expression of inflammation-related genes in aldosterone-producing adenomas with KCNJ5 mutation

BACKGROUND

The adrenocortical cells have been shown to produce various inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα and IL-6, which could modulate steroidogenesis. However, the role of inflammatory cytokines in aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) is not fully understood. In the present study, we examined the relationships between mRNA expression levels of the inflammation-related genes and somatic mutations in APA tissues.

METHODS

We evaluated mRNA expression levels of TNFA, IL6, and NFKB1 in APA tissues obtained from 44 Japanese APA patients.

RESULTS

We revealed that mRNA expression patterns of the inflammation-related genes depended on a KCNJ5 somatic mutation. In addition, we showed that mRNA expression levels of the inflammation-related genes correlated with those of the steroidogenic enzyme CYP11B1 in the patients with APAs.

CONCLUSION

The present study documented for the first time the expression of inflammation-related genes in APAs and the correlation of their expression levels with the KCNJ5 mutation status and mRNA expression levels of steroidogenic enzymes, indicating the pathophysiological relevance of inflammation-related genes in APAs.

Novel genetic determinants of adrenal aldosterone regulation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Aldosterone regulation in the adrenal plays an important role in blood pressure. The commonest curable cause of hypertension is primary aldosteronism. Recently, mutations in novel genes have been identified to cause primary aldosteronism. Elucidating the mechanism of action of these genetic abnormalities may help understand the cause of primary aldosteronism and the physiological regulation of aldosterone in the zona glomerulosa.

RECENT FINDINGS

KCNJ5, ATP1A1, ATP2B3, CACNA1D, CTNNB1, and CACNA1H mutations are causal of primary aldosteronism. ARMC5 may cause bilateral lesions resulting in primary aldosteronism.LGR5, DACH1, and neuron-specific proteins are highly expressed in the zona glomerulosa and regulate aldosterone production.

SUMMARY

Most mutations causing primary aldosteronism are in genes encoding cation channels or pumps, leading to increased calcium influx. Genotype-phenotype analyses identified two broad subtypes of aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs), zona fasciculata-like and zona glomerulosa-like, and the likelihood of under-diagnosed zona glomerulosa-like APAs because of small size. Zona fasciculata-like APAs are only associated with KCNJ5 mutations, whereas zona glomerulosa-like APAs are associated with mutations in ATPase pumps, CACNA1D, and CTNNB1. The frequency of APAs, and the multiplicity of causal mutations, suggests a pre-existing drive for these mutations. We speculate that these mutations are selected for protecting against tonic inhibition of aldosterone in human zona glomerulosa, which express genes inhibiting aldosterone production.

ENDOCRINE TUMOURS: The genomics of adrenocortical tumors

The last decade witnessed the emergence of genomics, a set of high-throughput molecular measurements in biological samples. These pan-genomic and agnostic approaches have revolutionized the molecular biology and genetics of malignant and benign tumors. These techniques have been applied successfully to adrenocortical tumors. Exome sequencing identified new major drivers in all tumor types, including KCNJ5, ATP1A1, ATP2B3 and CACNA1D mutations in aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA), PRKACA mutations in cortisol-producing adenomas (CPA), ARMC5 mutations in primary bilateral macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia (PBMAH) and ZNRF3 mutations in adrenocortical carcinomas (ACC). Moreover, the various genomic approaches - including exome sequencing, transcriptome, miRNome, genome and methylome - converge into a single molecular classification of adrenocortical tumors. Especially for ACC, two main molecular groups have emerged, showing major differences in outcomes. These ACC groups differ by their gene expression profiles, but also by recurrent mutations and specific DNA hypermethylation patterns in the subgroup of poor outcome. The clinical impact of these findings is just starting. The main altered signaling pathways now become therapeutic targets. The molecular groups of diseases individualize robust subtypes within diseases such as APA, CPA, PBMAH and ACC. A revised nosology of adrenocortical tumors should impact the clinical research. Obvious consequences also include genetic counseling for the new genetic diseases such as ARMC5 mutations in PBMAH, and a better prognostication of ACC based on targeted measurements of a few discriminant molecular alterations. Identifying the main molecular groups of adrenocortical tumors by extensively gathering the molecular variations is a significant step forward towards precision medicine.

ARMC5 mutation analysis in patients with primary aldosteronism and bilateral adrenal lesions

Idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA) due to bilateral adrenal hyperplasia is the most common subtype of primary aldosteronism (PA). The pathogenesis of IHA is still unknown, but the bilateral disease suggests a potential predisposing genetic alteration. Heterozygous germline mutations of armadillo repeat containing 5 (ARMC5) have been shown to be associated with hypercortisolism due to sporadic primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia and are also observed in African-American PA patients. We investigated the presence of germline ARMC5 mutations in a group of PA patients who had bilateral computed tomography-detectable adrenal alterations. We sequenced the entire coding region of ARMC5 and all intron/exon boundaries in 39 patients (37 Caucasians and 2 black Africans) with confirmed PA (8 unilateral, 27 bilateral and 4 undetermined subtype) and bilateral adrenal lesions. We identified 11 common variants, 5 rare variants with a minor allele frequency <1% and 2 new variants not previously reported in public databases. We did not detect by in silico analysis any ARMC5 sequence variations that were predicted to alter protein function. In conclusion, ARMC5 mutations are not present in a fairly large series of Caucasian patients with PA associated to bilateral adrenal disease. Further studies are required to definitively clarify the role of ARMC5 in the pathogenesis of adrenal nodules and aldosterone excess in patients with PA.

Immunohistochemistry of the adrenal in primary aldosteronism

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Primary aldosteronism is a major cause of hypertension; aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA) cause about half of primary aldosteronism; idiopathic hyperplasia of adrenal glomerulosa cells are responsible for the rest. A surprising variety of mutations have recently been identified in ion channels and pumps in a significant number of APA. The present review addresses histological and molecular aspects of APA and the surrounding adrenal.

RECENT FINDINGS

Specific antibodies against the CYP11B2 and CYP11B1 enzymes, the last enzyme in aldosterone and cortisol synthesis, respectively, allow for the first time study of the steroidogenic capabilities of cells within the APA and adjacent adrenal. Cells expressing CYP11B2 may be scattered and/or in clusters throughout the normal adrenal zona glomerulosa. APA differ widely in the number of cells expressing CYP11B2; some did not express it at all, but were surrounded by cells, some in clusters or micronodules, that expressed CYP11B2. Some APAs also comprised cells expressing both CYP11B1 and CYP17A1. In some samples, analysis of the tissue adjacent to APA detected ion channel and pump mutations heretofore associated only with APA.

SUMMARY

APAs have a complex structure and expression of steroidogenic enzymes.

Hyperaldosteronism: How to Discriminate Among Different Disease Forms?

Primary aldosteronism (PA), characterized by the inappropriate and abnormal adrenal secretion of aldosterone, is the most common cause of secondary hypertension. PA has been shown to increase cardiovasular and cerebrovascular risks in comparison with essential hypertension. PA is a multi-faceted disease, which comprises unilateral forms, benefitting from surgical treatment, and bilateral forms, which are the best managed medically. PA is more frequently sporadic, but in some cases, it displays a familial transmission pattern. For these reasons, it is important to diagnose PA early on and correctly distinguish and manage its different forms. In this review, we analyze the different forms of PA, with attention on the diagnostic pathway and the genetics of the disease.

Role of voltage-gated calcium channels in the regulation of aldosterone production from zona glomerulosa cells of the adrenal cortex

Zona glomerulosa cells (ZG) of the adrenal gland constantly integrate fluctuating ionic, hormonal and paracrine signals to control the synthesis and secretion of aldosterone. These signals modulate Ca²⁺ levels, which provide the critical second messenger to drive steroid hormone production. Angiotensin II is a hormone known to modulate the activity of voltage-dependent L- and T-type Ca²⁺ channels that are expressed on the plasma membrane of ZG cells in many species. Because the ZG cell maintains a resting membrane voltage of approximately -85 mV and has been considered electrically silent, low voltage-activated T-type Ca²⁺ channels are assumed to provide the primary Ca²⁺ signal that drives aldosterone production. However, this view has recently been challenged by human genetic studies identifying somatic gain-of-function mutations in L-type Ca_V 1.3 channels in aldosterone-producing adenomas of patients with primary hyperaldosteronism. We provide a review of these assumptions and challenges, and update our understanding of the state of the ZG cell in a layer in which native cellular associations are preserved. This updated view of Ca²⁺ signalling in ZG cells provides a unifying mechanism that explains how transiently activating Ca_V 3.2 channels can generate a significant and recurring Ca²⁺ signal, and how Ca_V 1.3 channels may contribute to the Ca²⁺ signal that drives aldosterone production.

Local Control of Aldosterone Production and Primary Aldosteronism

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is caused by excessive production of aldosterone by the adrenal cortex and is determined by a benign aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) in a significant proportion of cases. Local mechanisms, as opposed to circulatory ones, that control aldosterone production in the adrenal cortex are particularly relevant in the physiopathological setting and in the pathogenesis of PA. A breakthrough in our understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms in APA has been the identification of somatic mutations in genes controlling membrane potential and intracellular calcium concentrations. However, recent data show that the processes of nodule formation and aldosterone hypersecretion can be dissociated in pathological adrenals and suggest a model envisaging different molecular events for the pathogenesis of APA.

Molecular Heterogeneity in Aldosterone-Producing Adenomas

CONTEXT

The use of next-generation sequencing has resulted in the identification of recurrent somatic mutations underlying primary aldosteronism (PA). However, significant gaps remain in our understanding of the relationship between tumor aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) expression and somatic mutation status.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to investigate tumor CYP11B2 expression and somatic aldosterone-driver gene mutation heterogeneity.

METHODS

Fifty-one adrenals from 51 PA patients were studied. Immunohistochemistry for CYP11B2 was performed. Aldosterone-producing adenomas with intratumor CYP11B2 heterogeneity were analyzed for mutation status using targeted next-generation sequencing. DNA was isolated from CYP11B2-positive, CYP11B2-negative, and adjacent normal areas from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections.

RESULTS

Of 51 adrenals, seven (14 %) showed distinct heterogeneity in CYP11B2 by immunohistochemistry, including six adenomas with intratumor heterogeneity and one multinodular hyperplastic adrenal with both CYP11B2-positive and -negative nodules. Of the six adrenocortical adenomas with CYP11B2 heterogeneity, three had aldosterone-regulating mutations (CACNA1D p.F747C, KCNJ5 p.L168R, ATP1A1 p.L104R) only in CYP11B2-positive regions, and one had two different mutations localized to two histologically distinct CYP11B2-positive regions (ATP2B3 p.L424_V425del, KCNJ5 p.G151R). Lastly, one adrenal with multiple CYP11B2-expressing nodules showed different mutations in each (CACNA1D p.F747V and ATP1A1 p.L104R), and no mutations were identified in CYP11B2-negative nodule or adjacent normal adrenal.

CONCLUSIONS

Adrenal tumors in patients with PA can demonstrate clear heterogeneity in CYP11B2 expression and somatic mutations in driver genes for aldosterone production. These findings suggest that aldosterone-producing adenoma tumorigenesis can occur within preexisting nodules through the acquisition of somatic mutations that drive aldosterone production.

Cav 1.3 (CACNA1D) L-type Ca2+ channel dysfunction in CNS disorders

Ca_v1.3 belongs to the family of voltage‐gated L‐type Ca²⁺ channels and is encoded by the CACNA1D gene. Ca_v1.3 channels are not only essential for cardiac pacemaking, hearing and hormone secretion but are also expressed postsynaptically in neurons, where they shape neuronal firing and plasticity. Recent findings provide evidence that human mutations in the CACNA1D gene can confer risk for the development of neuropsychiatric disease and perhaps also epilepsy. Loss of Ca_v1.3 function, as shown in knock‐out mouse models and by human mutations, does not result in neuropsychiatric or neurological disease symptoms, whereas their acute selective pharmacological activation results in a depressive‐like behaviour in mice. Therefore it is likely that CACNA1D mutations enhancing activity may be disease relevant also in humans. Indeed, whole exome sequencing studies, originally prompted to identify mutations in primary aldosteronism, revealed de novo CACNA1D missense mutations permitting enhanced Ca²⁺ signalling through Ca_v1.3. Remarkably, apart from primary aldosteronism, heterozygous carriers of these mutations also showed seizures and neurological abnormalities. Different missense mutations with very similar gain‐of‐function properties were recently reported in patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). These data strongly suggest that CACNA1D mutations enhancing Ca_v1.3 activity confer a strong risk for – or even cause – CNS disorders, such as ASD.

Context-dependent mechanisms modulating aldosterone signaling in the kidney

The aldosterone-mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) system serves as the major regulator of fluid homeostasis, and is an important drug target for the treatment of hypertension, heart failure, and chronic kidney disease. While the ligand aldosterone plays a central role in facilitating MR activity, recent studies have revealed that MR signaling is modulated through distinct mechanisms at the levels of the receptor and the downstream targets. Notably, phosphorylation of the ligand-binding domain in MR regulates the ability of the receptor to bind to ligand in renal intercalated cells, providing an additional layer of regulation that allows the cell-selective control of MR signaling. These mechanisms are involved in the context-dependent effects of aldosterone in the distal nephron. In this article, the recent progress in the understanding of mechanisms regulating the action of aldosterone is discussed, focusing on the connecting tubules and collecting duct in the kidney.

Hyperpolarization-activated cation and T-type calcium ion channel expression in porcine and human renal pacemaker tissues

Renal pacemaker activity triggers peristaltic upper urinary tract contractions that propel waste from the kidney to the bladder, a process prone to congenital defects that are the leading cause of pediatric kidney failure. Recently, studies have discovered that hyperpolarization-activated cation (HCN) and T-type calcium (TTC) channel conductances underlie murine renal pacemaker activity, setting the origin and frequency and coordinating upper urinary tract peristalsis. Here, we determined whether this ion channel expression is conserved in the porcine and human urinary tracts, which share a distinct multicalyceal anatomy with multiple pacemaker sites. Double chromagenic immunohistochemistry revealed that HCN isoform 3 is highly expressed at the porcine minor calyces, the renal pacemaker tissues, whereas the kidney and urinary tract smooth muscle lacked this HCN expression. Immunofluorescent staining demonstrated that HCN(+) cells are integrated within the porcine calyx smooth muscle, and that they co-express TTC channel isoform Cav3.2. In humans, the anatomic structure of the minor calyx pacemaker was assayed via hematoxylin and eosin analyses, and enabled the visualization of the calyx smooth muscle surrounding adjacent papillae. Strikingly, immunofluorescence revealed that HCN3(+) /Cav3.2(+) cells are also localized to the human minor calyx smooth muscle. Collectively, these data have elucidated a conserved molecular signature of HCN and TTC channel expression in porcine and human calyx pacemaker tissues. These findings provide evidence for the mechanisms that can drive renal pacemaker activity in the multi-calyceal urinary tract, and potential causes of obstructive uropathies.

Mouse Models Recapitulating Human Adrenocortical Tumors: What Is Lacking?

Adrenal cortex tumors are divided into benign forms, such as primary hyperplasias and adrenocortical adenomas (ACAs), and malignant forms or adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs). Primary hyperplasias are rare causes of adrenocorticotropin hormone-independent hypercortisolism. ACAs are the most common type of adrenal gland tumors and they are rarely "functional," i.e., producing steroids. When functional, adenomas result in endocrine disorders, such as Cushing's syndrome (hypercortisolism) or Conn's syndrome (hyperaldosteronism). By contrast, ACCs are extremely rare but highly aggressive tumors that may also lead to hypersecreting syndromes. Genetic analyses of patients with sporadic or familial forms of adrenocortical tumors (ACTs) led to the identification of potentially causative genes, most of them being involved in protein kinase A (PKA), Wnt/β-catenin, and P53 signaling pathways. Development of mouse models is a crucial step to firmly establish the functional significance of candidate genes, to dissect mechanisms leading to tumors and endocrine disorders, and in fine to provide in vivo tools for therapeutic screens. In this article, we will provide an overview on the existing mouse models (xenografted and genetically engineered) of ACTs by focusing on the role of PKA and Wnt/β-catenin pathways in this context. We will discuss the advantages and limitations of models that have been developed heretofore and we will point out necessary improvements in the development of next generation mouse models of adrenal diseases.

Intracellular Molecular Differences in Aldosterone- Compared to Cortisol-Secreting Adrenal Cortical Adenomas

The adrenal cortex is a major site of steroid hormone production. Two hormones are of particular importance: aldosterone, which is produced in the zona glomerulosa in response to volume depletion and hyperkalemia, and cortisol, which is produced in the zona fasciculata in response to stress. In both cases, acute stimulation leads to increased hormone production, and chronic stimulation causes hyperplasia of the respective zone. Aldosterone- and cortisol-producing adenomas (APAs and CPAs) are benign tumors of the adrenal cortex that cause excess hormone production, leading to primary aldosteronism and Cushing's syndrome, respectively. About 40% of the APAs carry somatic heterozygous gain-of-function mutations in the K(+) channel KCNJ5. These mutations lead to sodium permeability, depolarization, activation of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels, and Ca(2+) influx. Mutations in the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase subunit ATP1A1 and the plasma membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase ATP2B3 similarly cause Na(+) or H(+) permeability and depolarization, whereas mutations in the Ca(2+) channel CACNA1D directly lead to increased calcium influx. One in three CPAs carries a recurrent gain-of-function mutation (L206R) in the PRKACA gene, encoding the catalytic subunit of PKA. This mutation causes constitutive PKA activity by abolishing the binding of the inhibitory regulatory subunit to the catalytic subunit. These mutations activate pathways that are relatively specific to the respective cell type (glomerulosa versus fasciculata), and there is little overlap in mutation spectrum between APAs and CPAs, but co-secretion of both hormones can occur. Mutations in CTNNB1 (beta-catenin) and GNAS (Gsα) are exceptions, as they can cause both APAs and CPAs through pathways that are incompletely understood.

Role of ACTH and Other Hormones in the Regulation of Aldosterone Production in Primary Aldosteronism

The major physiological regulators of aldosterone production from the adrenal zona glomerulosa are potassium and angiotensin II; other acute regulators include adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and serotonin. Their interactions with G-protein coupled hormone receptors activate cAMP/PKA pathway thereby regulating intracellular calcium flux and CYP11B2 transcription, which is the specific steroidogenic enzyme of aldosterone synthesis. In primary aldosteronism (PA), the increased production of aldosterone and resultant relative hypervolemia inhibits the renin and angiotensin system; aldosterone secretion is mostly independent from the suppressed renin-angiotensin system, but is not autonomous, as it is regulated by a diversity of other ligands of various eutopic or ectopic receptors, in addition to activation of calcium flux resulting from mutations of various ion channels. Among the abnormalities in various hormone receptors, an overexpression of the melanocortin type 2 receptor (MC2R) could be responsible for aldosterone hypersecretion in aldosteronomas. An exaggerated increase in plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) is found in patients with PA secondary either to unilateral aldosteronomas or bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (BAH) following acute ACTH administration compared to normal individuals. A diurnal increase in PAC in early morning and its suppression by dexamethasone confirms the increased role of endogenous ACTH as an important aldosterone secretagogue in PA. Screening using a combination of dexamethasone and fludrocortisone test reveals a higher prevalence of PA in hypertensive populations compared to the aldosterone to renin ratio. The variable level of MC2R overexpression in each aldosteronomas or in the adjacent zona glomerulosa hyperplasia may explain the inconsistent results of adrenal vein sampling between basal levels and post ACTH administration in the determination of source of aldosterone excess. In the rare cases of glucocorticoid remediable aldosteronism, a chimeric CYP11B2 becomes regulated by ACTH activating its chimeric CYP11B1 promoter of aldosterone synthase in bilateral adrenal fasciculate-like hyperplasia. This review will focus on the role of ACTH on excess aldosterone secretion in PA with particular focus on the aberrant expression of MC2R in comparison with other aberrant ligands and their GPCRs in this frequent pathology.

T-Type Calcium Channel: A Privileged Gate for Calcium Entry and Control of Adrenal Steroidogenesis

Intracellular calcium plays a crucial role in modulating a variety of functions such as muscle contraction, hormone secretion, gene expression, or cell growth. Calcium signaling has been however shown to be more complex than initially thought. Indeed, it is confined within cell microdomains, and different calcium channels are associated with different functions, as shown by various channelopathies. Sporadic mutations on voltage-operated L-type calcium channels in adrenal glomerulosa cells have been shown recently to be the second most prevalent genetic abnormalities present in human aldosterone-producing adenoma. The observed modification of the threshold of activation of the mutated channels not only provides an explanation for this gain of function but also reminds us on the importance of maintaining adequate electrophysiological characteristics to make channels able to exert specific cellular functions. Indeed, the contribution to steroid production of the various calcium channels expressed in adrenocortical cells is not equal, and the reason has been investigated for a long time. Given the very negative resting potential of these cells, and the small membrane depolarization induced by their physiological agonists, low threshold T-type calcium channels are particularly well suited for responding under these conditions and conveying calcium into the cell, at the right place for controlling steroidogenesis. In contrast, high threshold L-type channels are normally activated by much stronger cell depolarizations. The fact that dihydropyridine calcium antagonists, specific for L-type channels, are poorly efficient for reducing aldosterone secretion either in vivo or in vitro, strongly supports the view that these two types of channels differently affect steroid biosynthesis. Whether a similar analysis is transposable to fasciculata cells and cortisol secretion is one of the questions addressed in the present review. No similar mutations on L-type or T-type channels have been described yet to affect cortisol secretion or to be linked to the development of Cushing syndrome, but several evidences suggest that the function of T channels is also crucial in fasciculata cells. Putative molecular mechanisms and cellular structural organization making T channels a privileged entry for the "steroidogenic calcium" are also discussed.

Primary Aldosteronism: New Answers, New Questions

There have been 2, and possibly 3, major questions for primary aldosteronism (PA) answered at least in principle over the past 5 years. The first is that of somatic mutations underlying the majority of aldosterone producing adenomas. The second is the extension of our knowledge of the genetics of familial hypertension, and the third the role of renal intercalated cells in sodium homeostasis. New questions for the next 5 years include a single accepted confirmatory/exclusion test; standardisation of assays and cut-offs; alternatives to universal adrenal venous sampling; reclassification of 'low renin hypertension'; recognition of the extent of 'occult' PA; inclusion of low-dose mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist in first-line therapy for hypertension; and finally, possible resolution of the aldosterone/inappropriate sodium status enigma at the heart of the cardiovascular damage in PA.

Progress in Primary Aldosteronism: Translation on the Move

Hypertension is a major cardiovascular risk factor that affects between 10-40% of the general population in an age dependent manner. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) regulates blood pressure, fluid volume, and the vascular response to injury and inflammation 1. Chronic RAAS activation in the presence of sufficient sodium consumption leads to persistent hypertension, setting off a cascade of inflammatory, thrombotic, and atherogenic effects eventually leading to end-organ damage 2 3. Accordingly, numerous studies have demonstrated that elevated renin and/or aldosterone levels are predictors of adverse outcome in hypertension 4, heart failure 5 6, myocardial infarction 7, and renal insufficiency 8 and influence insulin resistance 9. Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common secondary form of hypertension with an estimated prevalence between 4 and 12% of hypertensives 10 11 12 and 11-20% in patients that are resistant to combined antihypertensive medication 13 14. Given the severe cardiovascular adverse effects of aldosterone excess that are independent of high blood pressure levels 15 16 17 18 detection and treatment of PA has important impact on clinical outcome and survival.

Bilateral Idiopathic Adrenal Hyperplasia: Genetics and Beyond

Bilateral adrenal hyperplasia currently accounts for up to 2 thirds of cases of primary aldosteronism. As such, it represents a major opportunity for targeted medical management as opposed to unilateral surgically correctable forms of the disease. Although the majority of cases of primary aldosteronism are sporadic, bilateral adrenal hyperplasia may occur in the context of familial hyperaldosteronism where it is associated with specific germline mutations. Over the past 5 years, impressive progress has been made in our understanding of the genetic basis underlying primary aldosteronism, allowing us to identify and characterize new familial forms of the disease and to understand the mechanisms involved in the formation of aldosterone producing adenoma. In contrast, our knowledge of the genetic contribution to the development of bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, and in a larger context, to renin and aldosterone levels in the general population, is still poor. This review summarizes our current knowledge on the genetics of bilateral adrenal hyperplasia and addresses some open questions to be addressed by future research. In particular, genome-wide association studies in large populations may provide clues to understanding the genetic susceptibility underlying the development of primary aldosteronism.

The Physiology, Pathology, and Pharmacology of Voltage-Gated Calcium Channels and Their Future Therapeutic Potential

Voltage-gated calcium channels are required for many key functions in the body. In this review, the different subtypes of voltage-gated calcium channels are described and their physiologic roles and pharmacology are outlined. We describe the current uses of drugs interacting with the different calcium channel subtypes and subunits, as well as specific areas in which there is strong potential for future drug development. Current therapeutic agents include drugs targeting L-type Ca(V)1.2 calcium channels, particularly 1,4-dihydropyridines, which are widely used in the treatment of hypertension. T-type (Ca(V)3) channels are a target of ethosuximide, widely used in absence epilepsy. The auxiliary subunit α2δ-1 is the therapeutic target of the gabapentinoid drugs, which are of value in certain epilepsies and chronic neuropathic pain. The limited use of intrathecal ziconotide, a peptide blocker of N-type (Ca(V)2.2) calcium channels, as a treatment of intractable pain, gives an indication that these channels represent excellent drug targets for various pain conditions. We describe how selectivity for different subtypes of calcium channels (e.g., Ca(V)1.2 and Ca(V)1.3 L-type channels) may be achieved in the future by exploiting differences between channel isoforms in terms of sequence and biophysical properties, variation in splicing in different target tissues, and differences in the properties of the target tissues themselves in terms of membrane potential or firing frequency. Thus, use-dependent blockers of the different isoforms could selectively block calcium channels in particular pathologies, such as nociceptive neurons in pain states or in epileptic brain circuits. Of important future potential are selective Ca(V)1.3 blockers for neuropsychiatric diseases, neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease, and resistant hypertension. In addition, selective or nonselective T-type channel blockers are considered potential therapeutic targets in epilepsy, pain, obesity, sleep, and anxiety. Use-dependent N-type calcium channel blockers are likely to be of therapeutic use in chronic pain conditions. Thus, more selective calcium channel blockers hold promise for therapeutic intervention.

Novel somatic mutations and distinct molecular signature in aldosterone-producing adenomas

Aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) are found in 1.5-3.0% of hypertensive patients in primary care and can be cured by surgery. Elucidation of genetic events may improve our understanding of these tumors and ultimately improve patient care. Approximately 40% of APAs harbor a missense mutation in the KCNJ5 gene. More recently, somatic mutations in CACNA1D, ATP1A1 and ATP2B3, also important for membrane potential/intracellular Ca(2) (+) regulation, were observed in APAs. In this study, we analyzed 165 APAs for mutations in selected regions of these genes. We then correlated mutational findings with clinical and molecular phenotype using transcriptome analysis, immunohistochemistry and semiquantitative PCR. Somatic mutations in CACNA1D in 3.0% (one novel mutation), ATP1A1 in 6.1% (six novel mutations) and ATP2B3 in 3.0% (two novel mutations) were detected. All observed mutations were located in previously described hotspot regions. Patients with tumors harboring mutations in CACNA1D, ATP1A1 and ATP2B3 were operated at an older age, were more often male and had tumors that were smaller than those in patients with KCNJ5 mutated tumors. Microarray transcriptome analysis segregated KCNJ5 mutated tumors from ATP1A1/ATP2B3 mutated tumors and those without mutation. We observed significant transcription upregulation of CYP11B2, as well as the previously described glomerulosa-specific gene NPNT, in ATP1A1/ATP2B3 mutated tumors compared to KCNJ5 mutated tumors. In summary, we describe novel somatic mutations in proteins regulating the membrane potential/intracellular Ca(2) (+) levels, and also a distinct mRNA and clinical signature, dependent on genetic alteration.

Genetic disruption of voltage-gated calcium channels in psychiatric and neurological disorders

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Voltage-gated calcium channel classification—genes and proteins.

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Genetic analysis of neuropsychiatric syndromes.

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Calcium channel genes identified from GWA studies of psychiatric disorders.

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Rare mutations in calcium channel genes in psychiatric disorders.

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Pathophysiological sequelae of CACNA1C mutations and polymorphisms.

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Monogenic disorders resulting from harmful mutations in other voltage-gated calcium channel genes.

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Changes in calcium channel gene expression in disease.

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Involvement of voltage-gated calcium channels in early brain development.

This review summarises genetic studies in which calcium channel genes have been connected to the spectrum of neuropsychiatric syndromes, from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia to autism spectrum disorders and intellectual impairment. Among many other genes, striking numbers of the calcium channel gene superfamily have been implicated in the aetiology of these diseases by various DNA analysis techniques. We will discuss how these relate to the known monogenic disorders associated with point mutations in calcium channels. We will then examine the functional evidence for a causative link between these mutations or single nucleotide polymorphisms and the disease processes. A major challenge for the future will be to translate the expanding psychiatric genetic findings into altered physiological function, involvement in the wider pathology of the diseases, and what potential that provides for personalised and stratified treatment options for patients.