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Tourigny DS, Altieri B, Secener KA, Sbiera S, Schauer MP, Arampatzi P, Herterich S, Sauer S, Fassnacht M, Ronchi CL. Cellular landscape of adrenocortical carcinoma at single-nuclei resolution. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 590:112272. [PMID: 38759836 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare yet devastating tumour of the adrenal gland with a molecular pathology that remains incompletely understood. To gain novel insights into the cellular landscape of ACC, we generated single-nuclei RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) data sets from twelve ACC tumour samples and analysed these alongside snRNA-seq data sets from normal adrenal glands (NAGs). We find the ACC tumour microenvironment to be relatively devoid of immune cells compared to NAG tissues, consistent with known high tumour purity values for ACC as an immunologically "cold" tumour. Our analysis identifies three separate groups of ACC samples that are characterised by different relative compositions of adrenocortical cell types. These include cell populations that are specifically enriched in the most clinically aggressive and hormonally active tumours, displaying hallmarks of reorganised cell mechanobiology and dysregulated steroidogenesis, respectively. We also identified and validated a population of mitotically active adrenocortical cells that strongly overexpress genes POLQ, DIAPH3 and EZH2 to support tumour expansion alongside an LGR4+ progenitor-like or cell-of-origin candidate for adrenocortical carcinogenesis. Trajectory inference suggests the fate adopted by malignant adrenocortical cells upon differentiation is associated with the copy number or allelic balance state of the imprinted DLK1/MEG3 genomic locus, which we verified by assessing bulk tumour DNA methylation status. In conclusion, our results therefore provide new insights into the clinical and cellular heterogeneity of ACC, revealing how genetic perturbations to healthy adrenocortical renewal and zonation provide a molecular basis for disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Tourigny
- School of Mathematics, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Barbara Altieri
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, 97080, Germany
| | - Kerim A Secener
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, 13125, Germany; Institute of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Free University Berlin, Berlin, 14195, Germany
| | - Silviu Sbiera
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, 97080, Germany
| | - Marc P Schauer
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, 97080, Germany; Center for Cellular Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, 97080, Germany
| | | | - Sabine Herterich
- Central Laboratory, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, 97080, Germany
| | - Sascha Sauer
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, 13125, Germany
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, 97080, Germany
| | - Cristina L Ronchi
- Institute of Metabolism and System Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK; Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (CEDAM), Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, B15 2GW, UK.
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Wen TZ, Li TR, Chen XY, Chen HY, Wang S, Fu WJ, Xiao SQ, Luo J, Tang R, Ji JL, Huang JF, He ZC, Luo T, Zhao HL, Chen C, Miao JY, Niu Q, Wang Y, Bian XW, Yao XH. Increased adrenal steroidogenesis and suppressed corticosteroid responsiveness in critical COVID-19. Metabolism 2024:155980. [PMID: 39053691 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2024.155980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on adrenal endocrine metabolism in critically ill patients remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the alterations in adrenal steroidogenic activity, elucidate underlying mechanisms, provide in situ histopathological evidence, and examine the clinical implications. METHODS The comparative analyses of the adrenal cortices from 24 patients with fatal COVID-19 and 20 matched controls was performed, excluding patients previously treated with glucocorticoids. Several SARS-CoV-2 and its receptors were identified and pathological alterations were examined. Furthermore, histological examinations, immunohistochemical staining and ultrastructural analyses were performed to assess corticosteroid biosynthesis. The zona glomerulosa (ZG) and zona fasciculata (ZF) were then dissected for proteomic analyses. The biological processes that affected steroidogenesis were analyzed by integrating histological, proteomic, and clinical data. Finally, the immunoreactivity of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoid receptors in essential tissues were quantitatively measured to evaluate corticosteroid responsiveness. FINDINGS The demographic characteristics of COVID-19 patients were comparable with those of controls, excluding those that affected adrenal function. SARS-CoV-2-like particles were identified in the adrenocortical cells of three patients; however, these particles did not affect cellular morphology or steroid synthesis compared with those in SARS-CoV-2-negative specimens. Although the adrenals exhibited focal necrosis, vacuolization, microthrombi, and inflammation, widespread degeneration was not evident. Notably, corticosteroid biosynthesis was significantly enhanced in both the ZG and ZF of COVID-19 patients. The increase in the inflammatory response and cellular differentiation in the adrenal cortices of patients with critical COVID-19 was positively correlated with heightened steroidogenic activity. Additionally, the appearance of more dual-ZG/ZF identity cells in COVID-19 adrenals was in accordance with the increased steroidogenic function. However, activated mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors in vital tissues were markedly reduced in patients with critical COVID-19. INTERPRETATION Critical COVID-19 was characterized by potentiated adrenal steroidogenesis, associated with exacerbation of inflammation, differentiation and the presence of dual-ZG/ZF identity cells. These alterations implied the reduced effectiveness of conventional corticosteroid therapy and underscored the need for evaluation of adrenal axis and the corticosteroid sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Zi Wen
- Institute of Pathology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Tian-Ran Li
- Institute of Pathology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin-Yu Chen
- Institute of Pathology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - He-Yuan Chen
- Institute of Pathology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Institute of Pathology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Wen-Juan Fu
- Institute of Pathology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Shi-Qi Xiao
- Institute of Pathology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Luo
- Institute of Pathology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Rui Tang
- Institute of Pathology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Jia-Le Ji
- Institute of Pathology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Jia-Feng Huang
- Institute of Pathology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhi-Cheng He
- Institute of Pathology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Tao Luo
- Institute of Pathology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong-Liang Zhao
- Institute of Pathology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Cong Chen
- Institute of Pathology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing-Ya Miao
- Institute of Pathology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Qin Niu
- Institute of Pathology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute of Pathology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China; Jinfeng Laboratory, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiu-Wu Bian
- Institute of Pathology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China; YuYue Laboratory, Chongqing, China.
| | - Xiao-Hong Yao
- Institute of Pathology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), and Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunopathology, Ministry of Education of China, Chongqing, China.
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Grigio V, Silva SB, Ruiz TFR, Castro NFDC, Calmon MDF, Rahal P, Taboga SR, Vilamaior PSL. Effects of androgenic modulation on the morphophysiology of the adrenal cortex of male gerbils. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 592:112332. [PMID: 39048028 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2024.112332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The study aimed to investigate the repercussions of androgen modulation on the adrenal cortex of male gerbils, focusing on the morphophysiology, proliferation, and cell death, as well as the expression of hormone receptors and steroidogenic enzymes. Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) were divided into three experimental groups: Control (C), Testosterone (T), animals received injections of testosterone cypionate and Castrated (Ct), animals underwent orchiectomy. The results showed that castration increased the zona fasciculata and promoted cell hypertrophy in all zones. Testosterone supplementation increased cell proliferation and cell death. Androgen modulation promoted an increase in AR, Erα, and ERβ. Castration promoted an increase in the CYP19, while decreasing 17βHSD enzymes. Testosterone supplementation, on the other hand, reduced CYP17 and increased CYP19 and 3βHSD enzymes. By analyzing the effects of androgen supplementation and deprivation, it can be concluded that testosterone is responsible for tissue remodeling in the cortex, regulating the rate of cell proliferation and death, as well as cell hypertrophy. Testosterone also modulate steroid hormone receptors and steroidogenic enzymes, consequently affecting the regulation, hormone synthesis and homeostasis of this endocrine gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor Grigio
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Stella Bicalho Silva
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Nayara Fernanda da Costa Castro
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marilia de Freitas Calmon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula Rahal
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sebastião Roberto Taboga
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil; Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Simone Leite Vilamaior
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
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Iwahashi N, Umakoshi H, Fujita M, Fukumoto T, Ogasawara T, Yokomoto-Umakoshi M, Kaneko H, Nakao H, Kawamura N, Uchida N, Matsuda Y, Sakamoto R, Seki M, Suzuki Y, Nakatani K, Izumi Y, Bamba T, Oda Y, Ogawa Y. Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics analysis of human adrenal aging. Mol Metab 2024; 84:101954. [PMID: 38718896 PMCID: PMC11101872 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.101954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The human adrenal cortex comprises three functionally and structurally distinct layers that produce layer-specific steroid hormones. With aging, the human adrenal cortex undergoes functional and structural alteration or "adrenal aging", leading to the unbalanced production of steroid hormones. Given the marked species differences in adrenal biology, the underlying mechanisms of human adrenal aging have not been sufficiently studied. This study was designed to elucidate the mechanisms linking the functional and structural alterations of the human adrenal cortex. METHODS We conducted single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics analysis of the aged human adrenal cortex. RESULTS The data of this study suggest that the layer-specific alterations of multiple signaling pathways underlie the abnormal layered structure and layer-specific changes in steroidogenic cells. We also highlighted that macrophages mediate age-related adrenocortical cell inflammation and senescence. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first detailed analysis of the aged human adrenal cortex at single-cell resolution and helps to elucidate the mechanism of human adrenal aging, thereby leading to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of age-related disorders associated with adrenal aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norifusa Iwahashi
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hironobu Umakoshi
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Masamichi Fujita
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tazuru Fukumoto
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tatsuki Ogasawara
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Maki Yokomoto-Umakoshi
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kaneko
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nakao
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Namiko Kawamura
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Naohiro Uchida
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yayoi Matsuda
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Sakamoto
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masahide Seki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Yutaka Suzuki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kohta Nakatani
- Division of Metabolomics/Mass Spectrometry Center, Medical Research Center for High Depth Omics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Izumi
- Division of Metabolomics/Mass Spectrometry Center, Medical Research Center for High Depth Omics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Bamba
- Division of Metabolomics/Mass Spectrometry Center, Medical Research Center for High Depth Omics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshinao Oda
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ogawa
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
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5
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Augsburger P, Liimatta J, Flück CE. Update on Adrenarche-Still a Mystery. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:1403-1422. [PMID: 38181424 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgae008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Adrenarche marks the timepoint of human adrenal development when the cortex starts secreting androgens in increasing amounts, in healthy children at age 8-9 years, with premature adrenarche (PA) earlier. Because the molecular regulation and significance of adrenarche are unknown, this prepubertal event is characterized descriptively, and PA is a diagnosis by exclusion with unclear long-term consequences. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION We searched the literature of the past 5 years, including original articles, reviews, and meta-analyses from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus, using search terms adrenarche, pubarche, DHEAS, steroidogenesis, adrenal, and zona reticularis. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Numerous studies addressed different topics of adrenarche and PA. Although basic studies on human adrenal development, zonation, and zona reticularis function enhanced our knowledge, the exact mechanism leading to adrenarche remains unsolved. Many regulators seem involved. A promising marker of adrenarche (11-ketotestosterone) was found in the 11-oxy androgen pathway. By current definition, the prevalence of PA can be as high as 9% to 23% in girls and 2% to 10% in boys, but only a subset of these children might face related adverse health outcomes. CONCLUSION New criteria for defining adrenarche and PA are needed to identify children at risk for later disease and to spare children with a normal variation. Further research is therefore required to understand adrenarche. Prospective, long-term studies should characterize prenatal or early postnatal developmental pathways that modulate trajectories of birth size, early postnatal growth, childhood overweight/obesity, adrenarche and puberty onset, and lead to abnormal sexual maturation, fertility, and other adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Augsburger
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jani Liimatta
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Kuopio Pediatric Research Unit (KuPRU), University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, 70029 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Christa E Flück
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
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6
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Fukumoto T, Umakoshi H, Iwahashi N, Ogasawara T, Yokomoto-Umakoshi M, Kaneko H, Fujita M, Uchida N, Nakao H, Kawamura N, Matsuda Y, Sakamoto R, Miyazawa T, Seki M, Eto M, Oda Y, Suzuki Y, Ogawa S, Ogawa Y. Steroids-producing nodules: a two-layered adrenocortical nodular structure as a precursor lesion of cortisol-producing adenoma. EBioMedicine 2024; 103:105087. [PMID: 38570222 PMCID: PMC11121169 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The human adrenal cortex consists of three functionally and structurally distinct layers; zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata (zF), and zona reticularis (zR), and produces adrenal steroid hormones in a layer-specific manner; aldosterone, cortisol, and adrenal androgens, respectively. Cortisol-producing adenomas (CPAs) occur mostly as a result of somatic mutations associated with the protein kinase A pathway. However, how CPAs develop after adrenocortical cells acquire genetic mutations, remains poorly understood. METHODS We conducted integrated approaches combining the detailed histopathologic studies with genetic, RNA-sequencing, and spatially resolved transcriptome (SRT) analyses for the adrenal cortices adjacent to human adrenocortical tumours. FINDINGS Histopathological analysis revealed an adrenocortical nodular structure that exhibits the two-layered zF- and zR-like structure. The nodular structures harbour GNAS somatic mutations, known as a driver mutation of CPAs, and confer cell proliferative and autonomous steroidogenic capacities, which we termed steroids-producing nodules (SPNs). RNA-sequencing coupled with SRT analysis suggests that the expansion of the zF-like structure contributes to the formation of CPAs, whereas the zR-like structure is characterised by a macrophage-mediated immune response. INTERPRETATION We postulate that CPAs arise from a precursor lesion, SPNs, where two distinct cell populations might contribute differently to adrenocortical tumorigenesis. Our data also provide clues to the molecular mechanisms underlying the layered structures of human adrenocortical tissues. FUNDING KAKENHI, The Uehara Memorial Foundation, Daiwa Securities Health Foundation, Kaibara Morikazu Medical Science Promotion Foundation, Secom Science and Technology Foundation, ONO Medical Research Foundation, and Japan Foundation for Applied Enzymology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tazuru Fukumoto
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hironobu Umakoshi
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Norifusa Iwahashi
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tatsuki Ogasawara
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Maki Yokomoto-Umakoshi
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kaneko
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masamichi Fujita
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Naohiro Uchida
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Nakao
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Namiko Kawamura
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yayoi Matsuda
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Sakamoto
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takashi Miyazawa
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masahide Seki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Eto
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshinao Oda
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yutaka Suzuki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
| | - Seishi Ogawa
- Department of Pathology and Tumor Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ogawa
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
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7
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Takahashi F, Baba T, Christianto A, Yanai S, Lee-Okada HC, Ishiwata K, Nakabayashi K, Hata K, Ishii T, Hasegawa T, Yokomizo T, Choi MH, Morohashi KI. Development of sexual dimorphism of skeletal muscles through the adrenal cortex, caused by androgen-induced global gene suppression. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113715. [PMID: 38306273 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The zona fasciculata (zF) in the adrenal cortex contributes to multiple physiological actions through glucocorticoid synthesis. The size, proliferation, and glucocorticoid synthesis characteristics are all female biased, and sexual dimorphism is established by androgen. In this study, transcriptomes were obtained to unveil the sex differentiation mechanism. Interestingly, both the amount of mRNA and the expressions of nearly all genes were higher in females. The expression of Nr5a1, which is essential for steroidogenic cell differentiation, was also female biased. Whole-genome studies demonstrated that NR5A1 regulates nearly all gene expression directly or indirectly. This suggests that androgen-induced global gene suppression is potentially mediated by NR5A1. Using Nr5a1 heterozygous mice, whose adrenal cortex is smaller than the wild type, we demonstrated that the size of skeletal muscles is possibly regulated by glucocorticoid synthesized by zF. Taken together, considering the ubiquitous presence of glucocorticoid receptors, our findings provide a pathway for sex differentiation through glucocorticoid synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumiya Takahashi
- Department of Systems Life Sciences, Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takashi Baba
- Department of Systems Life Sciences, Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Department of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Antonius Christianto
- Department of Systems Life Sciences, Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Department of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Shogo Yanai
- Department of Systems Life Sciences, Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Hyeon-Cheol Lee-Okada
- Department of Biochemistry, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Keisuke Ishiwata
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-0074, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakabayashi
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-0074, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Hata
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-0074, Japan; Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Ishii
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Tomonobu Hasegawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Takehiko Yokomizo
- Department of Biochemistry, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Man Ho Choi
- Center for Advanced Biomolecular Recognition, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Ken-Ichirou Morohashi
- Department of Systems Life Sciences, Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Department of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahimachi, Kurume 830-0011, Japan.
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8
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El-Kadi RA, AbdelKader NF, Zaki HF, Kamel AS. Influence of β-catenin signaling on neurogenesis in neuropsychiatric disorders: Anxiety and depression. Drug Dev Res 2024; 85:e22157. [PMID: 38349261 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
It has been proven that stress, mainly in the early years of life, can lead to anxiety and mood problems. Current treatments for psychiatric disorders are not enough, and some of them show intolerable side effects, emphasizing the urgent need for new treatment targets. Hence, a better understanding of the different brain networks, which are involved in the response to anxiety and depression, may evoke treatments with more specific targets. One of these targets is β-catenin that regulates brain circuits. β-Catenin has a dual response toward stress, which may influence coping or vulnerability to stress response. Indeed, β-catenin signaling involves several processes such as inflammation-directed brain repair, inflammation-induced brain damage, and neurogenesis. Interestingly, β-catenin reduction is accompanied by low neurogenesis, which leads to anxiety and depression. However, in another state, this reduction activates a compensatory mechanism that enhances neurogenesis to protect against depression but may precipitate anxiety. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanism of β-catenin could enhance our knowledge about anxiety and depression's pathophysiology, potentially improving clinical results by targeting it. Herein, the different states of β-catenin were discussed, shedding light on possible drugs that showed action on psychiatric disorders through β-catenin.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Noha F AbdelKader
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hala F Zaki
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S Kamel
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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9
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Pons Fernández N, Moriano Gutiérrez A, Taberner Pazos B, Tarragon Cros A, Díez Gandía E, Zuñiga Cabrera Á. A novel mutation in the NNT gene causing familial glucocorticoid deficiency, with a literature review. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2024; 85:70-81. [PMID: 37352919 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2023.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by low cortisol levels despite elevated adrenocorticotropin (ACTH). Mineralocorticoid secretion is classically normal. Clinical manifestations are secondary to low cortisol levels (recurrent hypoglycemia, chronic asthenia, failure to thrive, seizures) and high levels of ACTH (cutaneous-mucosal hyperpigmentation). FGD is often caused by mutations in the ACTH melanocortin 2 receptor gene (MC2R, 18p11.21, FGD type 1) or melanocortin receptor 2 accessory protein gene (MRAP, 21q22.11, FGD type 2). But mutations have also been described in other genes: the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR, 8q11.2q13.2, FGD type 3), nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT, 5p12, FGD type 4) and thioredoxin reductase 2 genes (TXNRD2, 22q11.21, FGD type 5). We report the case of a 3-year-old boy recently diagnosed with FGD type 4 due to a novel mutation in NNT gene. A homozygous variant in exon 18 of the NNT gene, NM_012343.3:c.2764C>T, p.(Arg922*), determines a stop codon and, consequently, a non-functional truncated protein or absence of protein due to the nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) mechanism. We review the recent literature on NNT mutations and clinical presentations, which are broader than suspected. This disorder can result in significant morbidity and is potentially fatal if untreated. Precise diagnosis allows correct treatment and follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natividad Pons Fernández
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Lluís-Alcanyís, Ctra, Xàtiva a Silla km 2, 46800 Valencia, Spain.
| | - Ana Moriano Gutiérrez
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Lluís-Alcanyís, Ctra, Xàtiva a Silla km 2, 46800 Valencia, Spain
| | - Belén Taberner Pazos
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Lluís-Alcanyís, Ctra, Xàtiva a Silla km 2, 46800 Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Eva Díez Gandía
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Lluís-Alcanyís, Ctra, Xàtiva a Silla km 2, 46800 Valencia, Spain
| | - Ángel Zuñiga Cabrera
- Department of Genetics, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico la Fe, Valencia, Spain
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10
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Bechmann N, Moskopp ML, Constantinescu G, Stell A, Ernst A, Berthold F, Westermann F, Jiang J, Lui L, Nowak E, Zopp S, Pacak K, Peitzsch M, Schedl A, Reincke M, Beuschlein F, Bornstein SR, Fassnacht M, Eisenhofer G. Asymmetric Adrenals: Sexual Dimorphism of Adrenal Tumors. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:471-482. [PMID: 37647861 PMCID: PMC11032253 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Sexual dimorphism has direct consequences on the incidence and survival of cancer. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial to improve prognosis. OBJECTIVE This work aimed to characterized the influence of sex and adrenal asymmetry on the emergence of adrenal tumors. METHODS We conducted a multicenter, observational study involving 8037 patients with adrenal tumors, including adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA), cortisol-secreting adrenocortical adenomas (CSAs), non-aldosterone-producing adrenal cortical adenoma (NAPACA), pheochromocytoma (PCC), and neuroblastoma (NB), and investigated tumor lateralization according to sex. Human adrenal tissues (n = 20) were analyzed with a multiomics approach that allows determination of gene expression, catecholamine, and steroid contents in a single sample. In addition, we performed a literature review of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging-based studies examining adrenal gland size. RESULTS ACC (n = 1858); CSA (n = 68), NAPACA (n = 2174), and PCC (n = 1824) were more common in females than in males (female-to-male ratio: 1.1:1-3.8:1), whereas NBs (n = 2320) and APAs (n = 228) were less prevalent in females (0.8:1). ACC, APA, CSA, NAPACA, and NB occurred more frequently in the left than in the right adrenal (left-to-right ratio: 1.1:1-1.8:1), whereas PCC arose more often in the right than in the left adrenal (0.8:1). In both sexes, the left adrenal was larger than the right adrenal; females have smaller adrenals than males. CONCLUSION Adrenal asymmetry in both sexes may be related to the pathogenesis of adrenal tumors and should be considered during the diagnosis of these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Bechmann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Mats Leif Moskopp
- Department of Neurosurgery, Vivantes Friedrichshain Hospital, Charité Academic Teaching Hospital, 10249 Berlin, Germany
| | - Georgiana Constantinescu
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Anthony Stell
- School of Computing and Information Systems, University of Melbourne, 3052 Melbourne, Australia
| | - Angela Ernst
- Institute of Medical Statistics and Computational Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Frank Berthold
- Children's Hospital, University of Cologne, 50735 Cologne, Germany
| | - Frank Westermann
- Hopp Children's Cancer Center Heidelberg (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Neuroblastoma Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jingjing Jiang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhongshan Hospital, 200031 Shanghai, China
| | - Longfei Lui
- Department of Urology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410017 Changsha, China
| | - Elisabeth Nowak
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Stephanie Zopp
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Karel Pacak
- Section on Medical Neuroendocrinology, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mirko Peitzsch
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Schedl
- Université Côte d’Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Martin Reincke
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Felix Beuschlein
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and University of Zurich (UZH), 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Neuropathology, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefan R Bornstein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of Würzburg, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Graeme Eisenhofer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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11
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del Valle I, Young MD, Kildisiute G, Ogunbiyi OK, Buonocore F, Simcock IC, Khabirova E, Crespo B, Moreno N, Brooks T, Niola P, Swarbrick K, Suntharalingham JP, McGlacken-Byrne SM, Arthurs OJ, Behjati S, Achermann JC. An integrated single-cell analysis of human adrenal cortex development. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e168177. [PMID: 37440461 PMCID: PMC10443814 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.168177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The adrenal glands synthesize and release essential steroid hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone, but many aspects of human adrenal gland development are not well understood. Here, we combined single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, IHC, and micro-focus computed tomography to investigate key aspects of adrenal development in the first 20 weeks of gestation. We demonstrate rapid adrenal growth and vascularization, with more cell division in the outer definitive zone (DZ). Steroidogenic pathways favored androgen synthesis in the central fetal zone, but DZ capacity to synthesize cortisol and aldosterone developed with time. Core transcriptional regulators were identified, with localized expression of HOPX (also known as Hop homeobox/homeobox-only protein) in the DZ. Potential ligand-receptor interactions between mesenchyme and adrenal cortex were seen (e.g., RSPO3/LGR4). Growth-promoting imprinted genes were enriched in the developing cortex (e.g., IGF2, PEG3). These findings reveal aspects of human adrenal development and have clinical implications for understanding primary adrenal insufficiency and related postnatal adrenal disorders, such as adrenal tumor development, steroid disorders, and neonatal stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio del Valle
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, University College London (UCL) Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew D. Young
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Gerda Kildisiute
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Olumide K. Ogunbiyi
- Department of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Federica Buonocore
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, University College London (UCL) Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ian C. Simcock
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Great Ormond Street Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eleonora Khabirova
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Berta Crespo
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nadjeda Moreno
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tony Brooks
- UCL Genomics, Zayed Centre for Research, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Paola Niola
- UCL Genomics, Zayed Centre for Research, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Swarbrick
- Department of Histopathology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jenifer P. Suntharalingham
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, University College London (UCL) Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sinead M. McGlacken-Byrne
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, University College London (UCL) Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Owen J. Arthurs
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Great Ormond Street Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
- Population, Policy and Practice Research and Teaching Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sam Behjati
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, United Kingdom
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - John C. Achermann
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Research and Teaching Department, University College London (UCL) Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, UCL, London, United Kingdom
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12
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Kang Y, Laprocina K, Zheng HS, Huang CCJ. Current insight into the transient X-zone in the adrenal gland cortex. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 124:297-339. [PMID: 38408801 PMCID: PMC11023618 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Mouse models have been widely used in the study of adrenal gland development and diseases. The X-zone is a unique structure of the mouse adrenal gland and lineage-tracing studies show that the X-zone is a remnant of the fetal adrenal cortex. Although the X-zone is considered analogous to the fetal zone in the human adrenal cortex, the functional significance of the X-zone has remained comparatively more obscure. The X-zone forms during the early postnatal stages of adrenal development and regresses later in a remarkable sexually dimorphic fashion. The formation and regression of the X-zone can be different in mice with different genetic backgrounds. Mouse models with gene mutations, hormone/chemical treatments, and/or gonadectomy can also display an aberrant development of the X-zone or alternatively a dysregulated X-zone regression. These models have shed light on the molecular mechanisms regulating the development and regression of these unique adrenocortical cells. This review paper briefly describes the development of the adrenal gland including the formation and regression processes of the X-zone. It also summarizes and lists mouse models that demonstrate different X-zone phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Kang
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Karly Laprocina
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Huifei Sophia Zheng
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Chen-Che Jeff Huang
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States.
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13
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Shin SH, Hur G, Kim NR, Park JHY, Lee KW, Yang H. A machine learning-integrated stepwise method to discover novel anti-obesity phytochemicals that antagonize the glucocorticoid receptor. Food Funct 2023; 14:1869-1883. [PMID: 36723137 DOI: 10.1039/d2fo03466b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
As a type of stress hormone, glucocorticoids (GCs) affect numerous physiological pathways by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and regulating the transcription of various genes. However, when GCs are dysregulated, the resulting hypercortisolism may contribute to various metabolic disorders, including obesity. Thus, attempts have been made to discover potent GR antagonists that can reverse excess-GC-related metabolic diseases. Phytochemicals are a collection of valuable bioactive compounds that are known for their wide variety of chemotypes. Recently, various computational methods have been developed to obtain active phytochemicals that can modulate desired target proteins. In this study, we developed a workflow comprising two consecutive quantitative structure-activity relationship-based machine learning models to discover novel GR-antagonizing phytochemicals. These two models collectively identified 65 phytochemicals that bind to and antagonize GR. Of these, nine commercially available phytochemicals were validated for GR-antagonist and anti-obesity activities. In particular, we confirmed that demethylzeylasteral, a phytochemical of the Tripterygium wilfordii Radix, exhibits potent anti-obesity activity in vitro through GR antagonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seo Hyun Shin
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Gihyun Hur
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Na Ra Kim
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jung Han Yoon Park
- Bio-MAX Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Won Lee
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea. .,Bio-MAX Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.,Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon, 16229, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Yang
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Dufour D, Dumontet T, Sahut-Barnola I, Carusi A, Onzon M, Pussard E, Wilmouth JJ, Olabe J, Lucas C, Levasseur A, Damon-Soubeyrand C, Pointud JC, Roucher-Boulez F, Tauveron I, Bossis G, Yeh ET, Breault DT, Val P, Lefrançois-Martinez AM, Martinez A. Loss of SUMO-specific protease 2 causes isolated glucocorticoid deficiency by blocking adrenal cortex zonal transdifferentiation in mice. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7858. [PMID: 36543805 PMCID: PMC9772323 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35526-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMOylation is a dynamic posttranslational modification, that provides fine-tuning of protein function involved in the cellular response to stress, differentiation, and tissue development. In the adrenal cortex, an emblematic endocrine organ that mediates adaptation to physiological demands, the SUMOylation gradient is inversely correlated with the gradient of cellular differentiation raising important questions about its role in functional zonation and the response to stress. Considering that SUMO-specific protease 2 (SENP2), a deSUMOylating enzyme, is upregulated by Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)/cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase (PKA) signalling within the zona fasciculata, we generated mice with adrenal-specific Senp2 loss to address these questions. Disruption of SENP2 activity in steroidogenic cells leads to specific hypoplasia of the zona fasciculata, a blunted reponse to ACTH and isolated glucocorticoid deficiency. Mechanistically, overSUMOylation resulting from SENP2 loss shifts the balance between ACTH/PKA and WNT/β-catenin signalling leading to repression of PKA activity and ectopic activation of β-catenin. At the cellular level, this blocks transdifferentiation of β-catenin-positive zona glomerulosa cells into fasciculata cells and sensitises them to premature apoptosis. Our findings indicate that the SUMO pathway is critical for adrenal homeostasis and stress responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Dufour
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Typhanie Dumontet
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France ,grid.214458.e0000000086837370Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA ,grid.214458.e0000000086837370Training Program in Organogenesis, Center for Cell Plasticity and Organ Design, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Isabelle Sahut-Barnola
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Aude Carusi
- grid.4444.00000 0001 2112 9282IGMM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Méline Onzon
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Eric Pussard
- grid.460789.40000 0004 4910 6535Service de Génétique Moléculaire, Pharmacogénétique et Hormonologie, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Physiologie et Physiopathologie Endocriniennes, INSERM, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - James Jr Wilmouth
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Julie Olabe
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Cécily Lucas
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France ,grid.7849.20000 0001 2150 7757Endocrinologie Moléculaire et Maladies Rares, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Bron, France
| | - Adrien Levasseur
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Christelle Damon-Soubeyrand
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Jean-Christophe Pointud
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Florence Roucher-Boulez
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France ,grid.7849.20000 0001 2150 7757Endocrinologie Moléculaire et Maladies Rares, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Bron, France
| | - Igor Tauveron
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France ,grid.494717.80000000115480420Service d’Endocrinologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Gabriel Montpied, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Guillaume Bossis
- grid.4444.00000 0001 2112 9282IGMM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Edward T. Yeh
- grid.241054.60000 0004 4687 1637Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR USA
| | - David T. Breault
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDivision of Endocrinology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XHarvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Pierre Val
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Anne-Marie Lefrançois-Martinez
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Antoine Martinez
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
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15
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Kim HS, Lee SH. Effect of Nonylphenol on the Structure of Adrenal Cortex in F1 Generation Rats. Dev Reprod 2022; 26:175-182. [PMID: 36817359 PMCID: PMC9925185 DOI: 10.12717/dr.2022.26.4.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies, including our own, indicate that distinct morphological changes in rodent adrenal cortex could be induced by exposure of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC). In the present study, we conducted histological analyses of adrenocortical substructure using a nonylphenol-treated F1 rat model. The adrenal weight of NP-5000 group was significantly declined in female rats (p<0.001), while the adrenal weights of NP-treated groups were not significantly changed in male rats. The thickness of zona glomerulosa layers of female rats in NP-5000 group was significantly declined (p<0.001) but zona fasciculata layers were not changed. The zona reticularis layers of NP-treated group were significantly thinner than those of control group (NP-50, p<0.05; NP-5000, p<0.01). In male adrenal glands, there was no significant change of zona glomerulosa layers in NP-treated groups while the thickness of zona fasciculata in NP-5000 group was significantly decreased (p<0.01). Like female rats, the thickness of zona reticularis in NP-treated groups was significantly decreased (NP-50, p<0.001; NP-5000, p<0.05). Present study demonstrated that the adrenal histology could be altered by low-dose NP exposure in F1 rats, and the effect might be sexually dimorphic. Further study will be helpful for understanding possible adrenal pathophysiology induced by EDC exposure, and EDC-related sexually dimorphic phenomena in rodent adrenals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Su Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung
University, Seoul 03016, Korea
| | - Sung-Ho Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung
University, Seoul 03016, Korea,Corresponding author Sung-Ho
Lee Department of Biotechnology, Sangmyung University, Seoul 03016, Korea Tel:
+82-2-2287-5139 Fax: +82-2-2287-0070
E-mail:
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16
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Transgenic Mouse Models to Study the Development and Maintenance of the Adrenal Cortex. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214388. [PMID: 36430866 PMCID: PMC9693478 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The cortex of the adrenal gland is organized into concentric zones that produce distinct steroid hormones essential for body homeostasis in mammals. Mechanisms leading to the development, zonation and maintenance of the adrenal cortex are complex and have been studied since the 1800s. However, the advent of genetic manipulation and transgenic mouse models over the past 30 years has revolutionized our understanding of these mechanisms. This review lists and details the distinct Cre recombinase mouse strains available to study the adrenal cortex, and the remarkable progress total and conditional knockout mouse models have enabled us to make in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating the development and maintenance of the adrenal cortex.
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17
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Neirijnck Y, Schedl A. Rats, Adrenals, and the Surprising Role of the Corticosteroid-Binding Globulin in Sexual Dimorphism. Endocrinology 2022; 164:6833545. [PMID: 36402142 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine Neirijnck
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose, Université Côte d'Azur, 06108 Nice, France
| | - Andreas Schedl
- Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose, Université Côte d'Azur, 06108 Nice, France
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18
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Wilmouth JJ, Olabe J, Garcia-Garcia D, Lucas C, Guiton R, Roucher-Boulez F, Dufour D, Damon-Soubeyrand C, Sahut-Barnola I, Pointud JC, Renaud Y, Levasseur A, Tauveron I, Lefrançois-Martinez AM, Martinez A, Val P. Sexually dimorphic activation of innate antitumor immunity prevents adrenocortical carcinoma development. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eadd0422. [PMID: 36240276 PMCID: PMC9565812 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add0422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Unlike most cancers, adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs) are more frequent in women than in men, but the underlying mechanisms of this sexual dimorphism remain elusive. Here, we show that inactivation of Znrf3 in the mouse adrenal cortex, recapitulating the most frequent alteration in ACC patients, is associated with sexually dimorphic tumor progression. Although female knockouts develop metastatic carcinomas at 18 months, adrenal hyperplasia regresses in male knockouts. This male-specific phenotype is associated with androgen-dependent induction of senescence, recruitment, and differentiation of highly phagocytic macrophages that clear out senescent cells. In contrast, in females, macrophage recruitment is delayed and dampened, which allows for aggressive tumor progression. Consistently, analysis of TCGA-ACC data shows that phagocytic macrophages are more prominent in men and are associated with better prognosis. Together, these data show that phagocytic macrophages are key players in the sexual dimorphism of ACC that could be previously unidentified allies in the fight against this devastating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J. Wilmouth
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Julie Olabe
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Diana Garcia-Garcia
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Cécily Lucas
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Rachel Guiton
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Florence Roucher-Boulez
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et Biologie Moléculaire, UM Pathologies Endocriniennes, Groupement Hospitalier Est, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Damien Dufour
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Christelle Damon-Soubeyrand
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Isabelle Sahut-Barnola
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jean-Christophe Pointud
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Yoan Renaud
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Adrien Levasseur
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Igor Tauveron
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Endocrinologie Diabétologie CHU Clermont Ferrand, 58 rue Montalembert, F63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Anne-Marie Lefrançois-Martinez
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Antoine Martinez
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Pierre Val
- Institut GReD (Genetics, Reproduction and Development), CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 28 Place Henri Dunant, 63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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19
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Lalli E, Figueiredo BC. Prolactin as an adrenocorticotropic hormone: Prolactin signalling is a conserved key regulator of sexually dimorphic adrenal gland function in health and disease. Bioessays 2022; 44:e2200109. [PMID: 36000778 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202200109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
A large number of previous reports described an effect of the pituitary hormone prolactin (PRL) on steroid hormone production by the adrenal cortex. However, those studies remained anecdotal and were never converted into a conceptual and mechanistic framework, let alone being translated into clinical care. In the light of our recently published landmark study where we described PRL signalling as a pivotal regulator of the sexually dimorphic adrenal phenotype in mouse and of adrenal androgen production in humans, we present here the overarching hypothesis that PRL signalling increases the activity of Steroidogenic Factor-1 (SF-1/NR5A1), a transcription factor that has an essential role in adrenal gland development and function, to regulate adrenal cortex growth and hormonal production in physiological and pathological conditions. PRL can then be considered as a bona fide adrenocorticotropic hormone synergizing with ACTH in the endocrine control of adrenal cortex function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enzo Lalli
- EXPOGEN-CANCER CNRS International Research Project, 660 route des Lucioles, Sophia Antipolis, Valbonne, 06560, France.,Inserm, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Valbonne, France.,Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Valbonne, France.,Pelé Pequeno Principe Research Institute, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Bonald C Figueiredo
- EXPOGEN-CANCER CNRS International Research Project, 660 route des Lucioles, Sophia Antipolis, Valbonne, 06560, France.,Pelé Pequeno Principe Research Institute, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
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20
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Iwahashi N, Umakoshi H, Seki T, Gomez-Sanchez CE, Mukai K, Suematsu M, Umezawa Y, Oya M, Kosaka T, Seki M, Suzuki Y, Horiuchi Y, Ogawa Y, Nishimoto K. Characterization of Aldosterone-producing Cell Cluster (APCC) at Single-cell Resolution. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:2439-2448. [PMID: 35796577 PMCID: PMC9387688 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The adrenal cortex consists of zona glomerulosa (ZG), fasciculata (ZF), and reticularis. Aldosterone-producing cell clusters (APCCs) that strongly express aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) are frequently found in adult adrenals and harbor somatic mutations that are also detected in aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs). Primary aldosteronism is mainly caused by APAs or idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA). We presume that APCCs are causing IHA and are precursors of APAs. However, the gene expression characteristics and especially the development of APCCs are not well understood. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to analyze the transcriptome of APCCs at single-cell resolution and infer the developmental trajectory. METHODS Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of 2 adult adrenals was performed. RESULTS Immunohistochemical analyses confirmed the 2 adrenals had APCCs. scRNA-seq data of 2928 adrenal cells were obtained and 1765 adrenocortical cells were identified based on unsupervised clustering and the marker gene expression. The adrenocortical cells were divided into 6 clusters, of which 3 clusters (923 cells) were composed of APCC/ZG cells. By further subclustering, the APCC/ZG cells were divided into 3 clusters (clusters C1, C2, and C3), we finally identified APCC cluster (C3) and ZG cluster (C1). Cluster C2 seemed to be ZG-to-ZF transitional cells. RNA velocity analysis inferred the developmental direction from cluster ZG-cluster-C1 to APCC-cluster-C3. The scRNA-seq additionally revealed that many CYP11B2-positive cells were positive for CYP11B1 and/or CYP17A1, which were essential for cortisol but not for aldosterone production. CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed the gene expression characteristics of APCC at single-cell resolution and show that some ZG cells remodel to APCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tsugio Seki
- Department of Medical Education, School of Medicine, California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, CA 92324, USA
| | - Celso E Gomez-Sanchez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Kuniaki Mukai
- Medical Education Center, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Makoto Suematsu
- Department of Biochemistry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Yuta Umezawa
- Department of Uro-Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Saitama 350-1298, Japan
| | - Mototsugu Oya
- Department of Urology, Keio University School of MedicineTokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Takeo Kosaka
- Department of Urology, Keio University School of MedicineTokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masahide Seki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba 277-0882, Japan
| | - Yutaka Suzuki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba 277-0882, Japan
| | - Yutaka Horiuchi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama 350-0495, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ogawa
- Correspondence: Yoshihiro Ogawa, MD, PhD, Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Koshiro Nishimoto
- Correspondence: Koshiro Nishimoto, MD, PhD, Department of Uro-Oncology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, 1397-1 Yamane, Hidaka, Saitama 350-1298, Japan.
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21
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Omar MH, Byrne DP, Jones KN, Lakey TM, Collins KB, Lee KS, Daly LA, Forbush KA, Lau HT, Golkowski M, McKnight GS, Breault DT, Lefrançois-Martinez AM, Martinez A, Eyers CE, Baird GS, Ong SE, Smith FD, Eyers PA, Scott JD. Mislocalization of protein kinase A drives pathology in Cushing's syndrome. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111073. [PMID: 35830806 PMCID: PMC9311266 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A (PKAc) drive the stress hormone disorder adrenal Cushing's syndrome. We define mechanisms of action for the PKAc-L205R and W196R variants. Proximity proteomic techniques demonstrate that both Cushing's mutants are excluded from A kinase-anchoring protein (AKAP)-signaling islands, whereas live-cell photoactivation microscopy reveals that these kinase mutants indiscriminately diffuse throughout the cell. Only cAMP analog drugs that displace native PKAc from AKAPs enhance cortisol release. Rescue experiments that incorporate PKAc mutants into AKAP complexes abolish cortisol overproduction, indicating that kinase anchoring restores normal endocrine function. Analyses of adrenal-specific PKAc-W196R knockin mice and Cushing's syndrome patient tissue reveal defective signaling mechanisms of the disease. Surprisingly each Cushing's mutant engages a different mitogenic-signaling pathway, with upregulation of YAP/TAZ by PKAc-L205R and ERK kinase activation by PKAc-W196R. Thus, aberrant spatiotemporal regulation of each Cushing's variant promotes the transmission of distinct downstream pathogenic signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell H Omar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Dominic P Byrne
- Department of Biochemistry & Systems Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Kiana N Jones
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Tyler M Lakey
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Kerrie B Collins
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Kyung-Soon Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Leonard A Daly
- Centre for Proteome Research, Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Katherine A Forbush
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ho-Tak Lau
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Martin Golkowski
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - G Stanley McKnight
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - David T Breault
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Anne-Marie Lefrançois-Martinez
- Génétique, Reproduction et Développement (GReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Antoine Martinez
- Génétique, Reproduction et Développement (GReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Claire E Eyers
- Centre for Proteome Research, Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Geoffrey S Baird
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Shao-En Ong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - F Donelson Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Patrick A Eyers
- Department of Biochemistry & Systems Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - John D Scott
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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22
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Pignatti E, Altinkilic EM, Bräutigam K, Grössl M, Perren A, Zavolan M, Flück CE. Cholesterol Deprivation Drives DHEA Biosynthesis in Human Adrenals. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6588149. [PMID: 35583599 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Adrenarche is an early event in sexual maturation in prepubertal children and corresponds to the postnatal development of the adrenocortical zona reticularis (zR). However, the molecular mechanisms that govern the onset and maturation of zR remain unknown. Using tissue laser microdissection combined with transcript quantification and immunodetection, we showed that the human zR receives low levels of cholesterol in comparison with other adrenal layers. To model this metabolic condition, we challenged adrenal cells in vitro using cholesterol deprivation. This resulted in reprogramming the steroidogenic pathway toward inactivation of 3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (HSD3B2), increased CYB5A expression, and increased biosynthesis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), 3 key features of zR maturation during adrenarche. Finally, we found that cholesterol deprivation leads to decreased transcriptional activity of POU3F2, which normally stimulates the expression of HSD3B2 by directly binding to its promoter. These findings demonstrate that cholesterol deprivation can account, at least in part, for the acquisition of a zR-like androgenic program in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Pignatti
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Inselspital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University Hospital Inselspital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Emre Murat Altinkilic
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Inselspital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University Hospital Inselspital, University of Bern , 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Michael Grössl
- Department for BioMedical Research, University Hospital Inselspital, University of Bern , 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Aurel Perren
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bern , 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | | | - Christa E Flück
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Inselspital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research, University Hospital Inselspital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
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23
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Sahut-Barnola I, Lefrancois-Martinez AM, Dufour D, Jean-Marie BOTTO, Kamilaris C, Faucz FR, Stratakis CA, Val P, Martinez A. Steroidogenic factor-1 lineage origin of skin lesions in Carney complex syndrome. J Invest Dermatol 2022; 142:2949-2957.e9. [PMID: 35568059 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2022.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Carney complex (CNC) is a rare familial multi-neoplastic syndrome predisposing to endocrine and non-endocrine tumors due to inactivating mutations of PRKAR1A leading to perturbations of the cAMP protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway. Skin lesions are the most common manifestation of CNC, including lentigines, blue nevi and cutaneous myxomas, in unusual locations such as oral and genital mucosa. Unlike endocrine disorders, the pathogenesis of skin lesions remains unexplained. Here, we show that embryonic invalidation of the Prkar1a gene in Steroidogenic Factor-1-expressing cells, leads to the development of familial skin pigmentation alterations reminiscent of those in patients. Immunohistological and molecular analyses coupled with genetic monitoring of recombinant cell lineages in mouse skin, suggest that familial lentiginosis and myxomas occurs in skin areas specifically enriched in dermal melanocytes. In lentigines and blue nevi-prone areas from mutant mice and patients, Prkar1a/PRKAR1A invalidation occurs in a subset of dermal fibroblasts capable of inducing, under the influence of PKA signaling, the production of pro-melanogenic EDN3 and HGF signals. Our model strongly suggests that the origin of the typical CNC cutaneous lesions is the result of non-cell-autonomous pro-melanogenic activity of a dermal fibroblast population sharing a community of origin with SF-1 lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Damien Dufour
- iGReD, CNRS, Inserm, Université Clermont-Auvergne, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Pierre Val
- iGReD, CNRS, Inserm, Université Clermont-Auvergne, France
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24
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Amaya JM, Viho EMG, Sips HCM, Lalai RA, Sahut‐Barnola I, Dumontet T, Montanier N, Pereira AM, Martinez A, Meijer OC. Gene expression changes in the brain of a Cushing's syndrome mouse model. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13125. [PMID: 35365898 PMCID: PMC9287025 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Excess glucocorticoid exposure affects emotional and cognitive brain functions. The extreme form, Cushing's syndrome, is adequately modelled in the AdKO2.0 mouse, consequential to adrenocortical hypertrophy and hypercorticosteronemia. We previously reported that the AdKO2.0 mouse brain undergoes volumetric changes that resemble closely those of Cushing's syndrome human patients, as well as changes in expression of glial related marker proteins. In the present work, the expression of genes related to glial and neuronal cell populations and functions was assessed in regions of the anterior brain, hippocampus, amygdala and hypothalamus. Glucocorticoid target genes were consistently regulated, including CRH mRNA suppression in the hypothalamus and induction in amygdala and hippocampus, even if glucocorticoid receptor protein was downregulated. Expression of glial genes was also affected in the AdKO2.0 mouse brain, indicating a different activation status in glial cells. Generic markers for neuronal cell populations, and cellular integrity were only slightly affected. Our findings highlight the vulnerability of glial cell populations to chronic high levels of circulating glucocorticoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Miguel Amaya
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of EndocrinologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Eva M. G. Viho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of EndocrinologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Hetty C. M. Sips
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of EndocrinologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Reshma A. Lalai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of EndocrinologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Isabelle Sahut‐Barnola
- Génétique Reproduction et DéveloppementUniversité Clermont‐Auvergne, CNRS, INSERMClermont‐FerrandFrance
| | - Typhanie Dumontet
- Génétique Reproduction et DéveloppementUniversité Clermont‐Auvergne, CNRS, INSERMClermont‐FerrandFrance
| | - Nathanaëlle Montanier
- Génétique Reproduction et DéveloppementUniversité Clermont‐Auvergne, CNRS, INSERMClermont‐FerrandFrance
| | - Alberto M. Pereira
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of EndocrinologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Antoine Martinez
- Génétique Reproduction et DéveloppementUniversité Clermont‐Auvergne, CNRS, INSERMClermont‐FerrandFrance
| | - Onno C. Meijer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of EndocrinologyLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
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Lengton R, Iyer AM, van der Valk ES, Hoogeveen EK, Meijer OC, van der Voorn B, van Rossum EFC. Variation in glucocorticoid sensitivity and the relation with obesity. Obes Rev 2022; 23:e13401. [PMID: 34837448 PMCID: PMC9285588 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence points to a relation between increased glucocorticoid (GC) exposure and weight gain. In support, long-term cortisol measurements using hair analysis revealed that many individuals with obesity appear to have cortisol values in the high physiological range. The mechanisms behind this relationship need to be determined in order to develop targeted therapy to reach sustainable weight loss in these subgroups. The effect of GCs is not only determined by the plasma concentration of GCs but also by individual differences in GC sensitivity and the target tissue, which can be analyzed by functional GC assays. GC sensitivity is influenced by multiple genetic and acquired (e.g., disease-related) factors, including intracellular GC availability, hormone binding affinity, and expression levels of the GC receptors and their isoforms, as well as factors involved in the modulation of gene transcription. Interindividual differences in GC sensitivity also play a role in the response to exogenous GCs, with respect to both therapeutic and adverse effects. Accordingly, in this review, we summarize current knowledge on mechanisms that influence GC sensitivity and their relationships with obesity and discuss personalized treatment options targeting the GC receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Lengton
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anand M Iyer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eline S van der Valk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen K Hoogeveen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Onno C Meijer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bibian van der Voorn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth F C van Rossum
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Obesity Center CGG, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Dumontet T, Hammer GD. Bones and adrenal organogenesis: how embryonic osteocalcin influences lifelong adrenal function. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:157200. [PMID: 35166237 PMCID: PMC8843705 DOI: 10.1172/jci157200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteocalcin is a hormone produced in bones by osteoblasts during bone formation. Numerous studies have demonstrated that adrenal gland–derived glucocorticoids inhibit osteocalcin production, which can ultimately cause deleterious bones loss. This loss establishes a unidirectional endocrine relationship between the adrenal glands and bone, however, whether osteocalcin reciprocally regulates glucocorticoid secretion remains unclear. In this issue of the JCI, Yadav and colleagues address how bone-derived osteocalcin influences adrenal organogenesis and function. Using a large variety of animal models, the authors established that embryonic osteocalcin signaling, specifically through the GPR158 receptor, regulates postnatal adrenal steroid concentrations throughout life. This work has translational potential, and we await future investigations that determine whether modulating osteocalcin levels could promote endogenous adrenocortical function in adrenocortical hypoplasia and glucocorticoid deficiency.
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Cellular Senescence in Adrenocortical Biology and Its Disorders. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123474. [PMID: 34943980 PMCID: PMC8699888 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence is considered a physiological process along with aging and has recently been reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of many age-related disorders. Cellular senescence was first found in human fibroblasts and gradually explored in many other organs, including endocrine organs. The adrenal cortex is essential for the maintenance of blood volume, carbohydrate metabolism, reaction to stress and the development of sexual characteristics. Recently, the adrenal cortex was reported to harbor some obvious age-dependent features. For instance, the circulating levels of aldosterone and adrenal androgen gradually descend, whereas those of cortisol increase with aging. The detailed mechanisms have remained unknown, but cellular senescence was considered to play an essential role in age-related changes of the adrenal cortex. Recent studies have demonstrated that the senescent phenotype of zona glomerulosa (ZG) acts in association with reduced aldosterone production in both physiological and pathological aldosterone-producing cells, whereas senescent cortical-producing cells seemed not to have a suppressed cortisol-producing ability. In addition, accumulated lipofuscin formation, telomere shortening and cellular atrophy in zona reticularis cells during aging may account for the age-dependent decline in adrenal androgen levels. In adrenocortical disorders, including both aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and cortisol-producing adenoma (CPA), different cellular subtypes of tumor cells presented divergent senescent phenotypes, whereby compact cells in both APA and CPA harbored more senescent phenotypes than clear cells. Autonomous cortisol production from CPA reinforced a local cellular senescence that was more severe than that in APA. Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) was also reported to harbor oncogene-induced senescence, which compensatorily follows carcinogenesis and tumor progress. Adrenocortical steroids can induce not only a local senescence but also a periphery senescence in many other tissues. Therefore, herein, we systemically review the recent advances related to cellular senescence in adrenocortical biology and its associated disorders.
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Abou Nader N, Boyer A. Adrenal Cortex Development and Maintenance: Knowledge Acquired From Mouse Models. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6362524. [PMID: 34473283 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The adrenal cortex is an endocrine organ organized into concentric zones that are specialized to produce specific steroid hormones essential for life. The development and maintenance of the adrenal cortex are complex, as a fetal adrenal is first formed from a common primordium with the gonads, followed by its separation in a distinct primordium, the invasion of the adrenal primordium by neural crest-derived cells to form the medulla, and finally its encapsulation. The fetal cortex is then replaced by a definitive cortex, which will establish zonation and be maintained throughout life by regeneration relying on the proliferation, centripetal migration, and differentiation of several stem/progenitor cell populations whose activities are sex-specific. Here, we highlight the advances made, using transgenic mouse models, to delineate the molecular mechanisms regulating these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour Abou Nader
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada
| | - Alexandre Boyer
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada
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29
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Abstract
Adrenarche is the maturational increase in adrenal androgen production that normally begins in early childhood. It results from changes in the secretory response to adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) that are best indexed by dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) rise. These changes are related to the development of the zona reticularis (ZR) and its unique gene/enzyme expression pattern of low 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 with high cytochrome b5A, sulfotransferase 2A1, and 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 5. Recently 11-ketotestosterone was identified as an important bioactive adrenarchal androgen. Birth weight, body growth, obesity, and prolactin are related to ZR development. Adrenarchal androgens normally contribute to the onset of sexual pubic hair (pubarche) and sebaceous and apocrine gland development. Premature adrenarche causes ≥90% of premature pubarche (PP). Its cause is unknown. Affected children have a significantly increased growth rate with proportionate bone age advancement that typically does not compromise growth potential. Serum DHEAS and testosterone levels increase to levels normal for early female puberty. It is associated with mildly increased risks for obesity, insulin resistance, and possibly mood disorder and polycystic ovary syndrome. Between 5% and 10% of PP is due to virilizing disorders, which are usually characterized by more rapid advancement of pubarche and compromise of adult height potential than premature adrenarche. Most cases are due to nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Algorithms are presented for the differential diagnosis of PP. This review highlights recent advances in molecular genetic and developmental biologic understanding of ZR development and insights into adrenarche emanating from mass spectrometric steroid assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Rosenfield
- University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, Section of Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Chevalier B, Vantyghem MC, Espiard S. Bilateral Adrenal Hyperplasia: Pathogenesis and Treatment. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101397. [PMID: 34680514 PMCID: PMC8533142 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Bilateral adrenal hyperplasia is a rare cause of Cushing’s syndrome. Micronodular adrenal hyperplasia, including the primary pigmented micronodular adrenal dysplasia (PPNAD) and the isolated micronodular adrenal hyperplasia (iMAD), can be distinguished from the primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) according to the size of the nodules. They both lead to overt or subclinical CS. In the latter case, PPNAD is usually diagnosed after a systematic screening in patients presenting with Carney complex, while for PBMAH, the diagnosis is often incidental on imaging. Identification of causal genes and genetic counseling also help in the diagnoses. This review discusses the last decades’ findings on genetic and molecular causes of bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, including the several mechanisms altering the PKA pathway, the recent discovery of ARMC5, and the role of the adrenal paracrine regulation. Finally, the treatment of bilateral adrenal hyperplasia will be discussed, focusing on current data on unilateral adrenalectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Chevalier
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolism and Nutrition, CHU Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; (B.C.); (M.-C.V.)
| | - Marie-Christine Vantyghem
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolism and Nutrition, CHU Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; (B.C.); (M.-C.V.)
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1190, European Genomic Institute for Diabetes (EGID), CHU Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Stéphanie Espiard
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Metabolism and Nutrition, CHU Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; (B.C.); (M.-C.V.)
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U1190, European Genomic Institute for Diabetes (EGID), CHU Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
Resident progenitor and/or stem cell populations in the adult adrenal cortex enable cortical cells to undergo homeostatic renewal and regeneration after injury. Renewal occurs predominantly in the outer layers of the adrenal gland but newly formed cells undergo centripetal migration, differentiation and lineage conversion in the process of forming the different functional steroidogenic zones. Over the past 10 years, advances in the genetic characterization of adrenal diseases and studies of mouse models with altered adrenal phenotypes have helped to elucidate the molecular pathways that regulate adrenal tissue renewal, several of which are fine-tuned via complex paracrine and endocrine influences. Moreover, the adrenal gland is a sexually dimorphic organ, and testicular androgens have inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and progenitor cell recruitment in the adrenal cortex. This Review integrates these advances, including the emerging role of sex hormones, into existing knowledge on adrenocortical cell renewal. An in-depth understanding of these mechanisms is expected to contribute to the development of novel therapies for severe endocrine diseases, for which current treatments are unsatisfactory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodanthi Lyraki
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose, Nice, France
| | - Andreas Schedl
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose, Nice, France.
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32
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Dumontet T, Martinez A. Adrenal androgens, adrenarche, and zona reticularis: A human affair? Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 528:111239. [PMID: 33676986 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In humans, reticularis cells of the adrenal cortex fuel the production of androgen steroids, constituting the driver of numerous morphological changes during childhood. These steps are considered a precocious stage of sexual maturation and are grouped under the term "adrenarche". This review describes the molecular and enzymatic characteristics of the zona reticularis, along with the possible signals and mechanisms that control its emergence and the associated clinical features. We investigate the differences between species and discuss new studies such as genetic lineage tracing and transcriptomic analysis, highlighting the rodent inner cortex's cellular and molecular heterogeneity. The recent development and characterization of mouse models deficient for Prkar1a presenting with adrenocortical reticularis-like features prompt us to review our vision of the mouse adrenal gland maturation. We expect these new insights will help increase our understanding of the adrenarche process and the pathologies associated with its deregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Typhanie Dumontet
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Training Program in Organogenesis, Center for Cell Plasticity and Organ Design, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Antoine Martinez
- Génétique, Reproduction et Développement (GReD), Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique CNRS, Institut National de La Santé & de La Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Université Clermont-Auvergne (UCA), France.
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Beta-Catenin Causes Adrenal Hyperplasia by Blocking Zonal Transdifferentiation. Cell Rep 2021; 31:107524. [PMID: 32320669 PMCID: PMC7281829 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Activating mutations in the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway are key drivers of hyperplasia, the gateway for tumor development. In a wide range of tissues, this occurs primarily through enhanced effects on cellular proliferation. Whether additional mechanisms contribute to β-catenin-driven hyperplasia remains unknown. The adrenal cortex is an ideal system in which to explore this question, as it undergoes hyperplasia following somatic β-catenin gain-of-function (βcat-GOF) mutations. Targeting βcat-GOF to zona Glomerulosa (zG) cells leads to a progressive hyperplastic expansion in the absence of increased proliferation. Instead, we find that hyperplasia results from a functional block in the ability of zG cells to transdifferentiate into zona Fasciculata (zF) cells. Mechanistically, zG cells demonstrate an upregulation of Pde2a, an inhibitor of zF-specific cAMP/PKA signaling. Hyperplasia is further exacerbated by trophic factor stimulation leading to organomegaly. Together, these data indicate that β-catenin drives adrenal hyperplasia through both proliferation-dependent and -independent mechanisms. Using the adrenal cortex as a model for slow-cycling tissues, Pignatti et al. show that activation of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway leads to tissue hyperplasia by blocking cellular differentiation/cell-fate commitment, independent of its effects on cellular proliferation.
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34
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Tatsi C, Maria AG, Malloy C, Lin L, London E, Settas N, Flippo C, Keil M, Hannah-Shmouni F, Hoffman DA, Stratakis CA. Cushing Syndrome in a Pediatric Patient With a KCNJ5 Variant and Successful Treatment With Low-dose Ketoconazole. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:1606-1616. [PMID: 33630995 PMCID: PMC8118581 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Pathogenic variants in KCNJ5, encoding the GIRK4 (Kir3.4) potassium channel, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of familial hyperaldosteronism type-III (FH-III) and sporadic primary aldosteronism (PA). In addition to aldosterone, glucocorticoids are often found elevated in PA in association with KCNJ5 pathogenic variants, albeit at subclinical levels. However, to date no GIRK4 defects have been linked to Cushing syndrome (CS). PATIENT We present the case of a 10-year-old child who presented with CS at an early age due to bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia (BAH). The patient was placed on low-dose ketoconazole (KZL), which controlled hypercortisolemia and CS-related signs. Discontinuation of KZL for even 6 weeks led to recurrent CS. RESULTS Screening for known genes causing cortisol-producing BAHs (PRKAR1A, PRKACA, PRKACB, PDE11A, PDE8B, ARMC5) failed to identify any gene defects. Whole-exome sequencing showed a novel KCNJ5 pathogenic variant (c.506T>C, p.L169S) inherited from her father. In vitro studies showed that the p.L169S variant affects conductance of the Kir3.4 channel without affecting its expression or membrane localization. Although there were no effects on steroidogenesis in vitro, there were modest changes in protein kinase A activity. In silico analysis of the mutant channel proposed mechanisms for the altered conductance. CONCLUSION We present a pediatric patient with CS due to BAH and a germline defect in KCNJ5. Molecular investigations of this KCNJ5 variant failed to show a definite cause of her CS. However, this KCNJ5 variant differed in its function from KCNJ5 defects leading to PA. We speculate that GIRK4 (Kir3.4) may play a role in early human adrenocortical development and zonation and participate in the pathogenesis of pediatric BAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Tatsi
- Section on Endocrinology & Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
- Internal medicine and Pediatric Endocrinology Inter-institute Training Programs, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
- Correspondence: Christina Tatsi MD, MHSc, PhD, 10 Center Drive, Building 10, NIH-Clinical Research Center, Room 1-3330, MSC1103, Bethesda, MD 20892,USA.
| | - Andrea G Maria
- Section on Endocrinology & Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
| | - Cole Malloy
- Section on Molecular Neurophysiology and Biophysics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
| | - Lin Lin
- Section on Molecular Neurophysiology and Biophysics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
| | - Edra London
- Section on Endocrinology & Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
| | - Nick Settas
- Section on Endocrinology & Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
| | - Chelsi Flippo
- Section on Endocrinology & Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
- Internal medicine and Pediatric Endocrinology Inter-institute Training Programs, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
| | - Meg Keil
- Section on Endocrinology & Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
- Internal medicine and Pediatric Endocrinology Inter-institute Training Programs, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
| | - Fady Hannah-Shmouni
- Section on Endocrinology & Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
- Internal medicine and Pediatric Endocrinology Inter-institute Training Programs, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
| | - Dax A Hoffman
- Section on Molecular Neurophysiology and Biophysics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
| | - Constantine A Stratakis
- Section on Endocrinology & Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
- Internal medicine and Pediatric Endocrinology Inter-institute Training Programs, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892,USA
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The Sexually Dimorphic Adrenal Cortex: Implications for Adrenal Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094889. [PMID: 34063067 PMCID: PMC8124132 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Many adrenocortical diseases are more prevalent in women than in men, but the reasons underlying this sex bias are still unknown. Recent studies involving gonadectomy and sex hormone replacement experiments in mice have shed some light onto the molecular basis of sexual dimorphism in the adrenal cortex. Indeed, it has been shown that gonadal hormones influence many aspects of adrenal physiology, ranging from stem cell-dependent tissue turnover to steroidogenesis and X-zone dynamics. This article reviews current knowledge on adrenal cortex sexual dimorphism and the potential mechanisms underlying sex hormone influence of adrenal homeostasis. Both topics are expected to contribute to personalized and novel therapeutic approaches in the future.
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36
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Pignatti E, Flück CE. Adrenal cortex development and related disorders leading to adrenal insufficiency. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 527:111206. [PMID: 33607267 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The adult human adrenal cortex produces steroid hormones that are crucial for life, supporting immune response, glucose homeostasis, salt balance and sexual maturation. It consists of three histologically distinct and functionally specialized zones. The fetal adrenal forms from mesodermal material and produces predominantly adrenal C19 steroids from its fetal zone, which involutes after birth. Transition to the adult cortex occurs immediately after birth for the formation of the zona glomerulosa and fasciculata for aldosterone and cortisol production and continues through infancy until the zona reticularis for adrenal androgen production is formed with adrenarche. The development of this indispensable organ is complex and not fully understood. This article gives an overview of recent knowledge gained of adrenal biology from two perspectives: one, from basic science studying adrenal development, zonation and homeostasis; and two, from adrenal disorders identified in persons manifesting with various isolated or syndromic forms of primary adrenal insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Pignatti
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Bern and Department of BioMedical Research, University Hospital Inselspital, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Christa E Flück
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Bern and Department of BioMedical Research, University Hospital Inselspital, University of Bern, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.
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37
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Gao X, Yamazaki Y, Tezuka Y, Omata K, Ono Y, Morimoto R, Nakamura Y, Satoh F, Sasano H. Gender differences in human adrenal cortex and its disorders. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 526:111177. [PMID: 33582213 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The adrenal cortex plays pivotal roles in the maintenance of blood volume, responsiveness to stress and the development of gender characteristics. Gender differences of human adrenal cortex have been recently reported and attracted increasing interests. Gender differences occur from the developing stage of the adrenal, in which female subjects had more activated stem cells with higher renewal capacity resulting in gender-associated divergent structures and functions of cortical zonations of human adrenal. Female subjects generally have the lower blood pressure with the lower renin levels and ACE activities than male subjects. In addition, HPA axis was more activated in female than male, which could possibly contribute to gender differences in coping with various stressful events in our life. Of particular interest, estrogens were reported to suppress RAAS but activate HPA axis, whereas androgens had opposite effects. In addition, adrenocortical disorders in general occur more frequently in female with more pronounced adrenocortical hormonal abnormalities possibly due to their more activated WNT and PRK signaling pathways with more abundant activated adrenocortical stem cells present in female adrenal glands. Therefore, it has become pivotal to clarify the gender influence on both clinical and biological features of adrenocortical disorders. We herein reviewed recent advances in these fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Gao
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Yuto Yamazaki
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Yuta Tezuka
- Division of Clinical Hypertension, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan; Division of Nephrology, Endocrinology, and Vascular Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Japan
| | - Kei Omata
- Division of Clinical Hypertension, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan; Division of Nephrology, Endocrinology, and Vascular Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Japan
| | - Yoshikiyo Ono
- Division of Nephrology, Endocrinology, and Vascular Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Japan
| | - Ryo Morimoto
- Division of Nephrology, Endocrinology, and Vascular Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nakamura
- Division of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Japan
| | - Fumitoshi Satoh
- Division of Clinical Hypertension, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan; Division of Nephrology, Endocrinology, and Vascular Medicine, Tohoku University Hospital, Japan
| | - Hironobu Sasano
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.
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38
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Oikonomakos I, Weerasinghe Arachchige LC, Schedl A. Developmental mechanisms of adrenal cortex formation and their links with adult progenitor populations. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 524:111172. [PMID: 33484742 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The adrenal cortex is the main steroid producing organ of the human body. Studies on adrenal tissue renewal have been neglected for many years, but recent intensified research has seen tremendous progress in our understanding of the formation and homeostasis of this organ. However, cell turnover of the adrenal cortex appears to be complex and several cell populations have been identified that can differentiate into steroidogenic cells and contribute to adrenal cortex renewal. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of how the adrenal cortex develops and how stem cell populations relate to its developmental progenitors. Finally, we will summarize present and future approaches to harvest the potential of progenitor/stem cells for future cell replacement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Oikonomakos
- Université Côte d'Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose, 06108, Nice, France.
| | | | - Andreas Schedl
- Université Côte d'Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose, 06108, Nice, France.
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Little DW, Dumontet T, LaPensee CR, Hammer GD. β-catenin in adrenal zonation and disease. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 522:111120. [PMID: 33338548 PMCID: PMC8006471 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.111120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The Wnt signaling pathway is a critical mediator of the development and maintenance of several tissues. The adrenal cortex is highly dependent upon Wnt/β-catenin signaling for proper zonation and endocrine function. Adrenocortical cells emerge in the peripheral capsule and subcapsular cortex of the gland as progenitor cells that centripetally differentiate into steroid hormone-producing cells of three functionally distinct concentric zones that respond robustly to various endocrine stimuli. Wnt/β-catenin signaling mediates adrenocortical progenitor cell fate and tissue renewal to maintain the gland throughout life. Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling contributes to various adrenal disorders of steroid production and growth that range from hypofunction and hypoplasia to hyperfunction, hyperplasia, benign adrenocortical adenomas, and malignant adrenocortical carcinomas. Great strides have been made in defining the molecular underpinnings of adrenocortical homeostasis and disease, including the interplay between the capsule and cortex, critical components involved in maintaining the adrenocortical Wnt/β-catenin signaling gradient, and new targets in adrenal cancer. This review seeks to examine these and other recent advancements in understanding adrenocortical Wnt/β-catenin signaling and how this knowledge can inform therapeutic options for adrenal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Typhanie Dumontet
- Training Program in Organogenesis, Center for Cell Plasticity and Organ Design, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, USA
| | - Christopher R LaPensee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, USA
| | - Gary D Hammer
- Doctoral Program in Cancer Biology, USA; Training Program in Organogenesis, Center for Cell Plasticity and Organ Design, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, USA; Endocrine Oncology Program, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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40
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Amaya JM, Suidgeest E, Sahut-Barnola I, Dumontet T, Montanier N, Pagès G, Keller C, van der Weerd L, Pereira AM, Martinez A, Meijer OC. Effects of Long-Term Endogenous Corticosteroid Exposure on Brain Volume and Glial Cells in the AdKO Mouse. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:604103. [PMID: 33642975 PMCID: PMC7902940 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.604103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic exposure to high circulating levels of glucocorticoids has detrimental effects on health, including metabolic abnormalities, as exemplified in Cushing’s syndrome (CS). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have found volumetric changes in gray and white matter of the brain in CS patients during the course of active disease, but also in remission. In order to explore this further, we performed MRI-based brain volumetric analyses in the AdKO mouse model for CS, which presents its key traits. AdKO mice had reduced relative volumes in several brain regions, including the corpus callosum and cortical areas. The medial amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and hypothalamus were increased in relative volume. Furthermore, we found a lower immunoreactivity of myelin basic protein (MBP, an oligodendrocyte marker) in several brain regions but a paradoxically increased MBP signal in the male cingulate cortex. We also observed a decrease in the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, a marker for reactive astrocytes) and ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA1, a marker for activated microglia) in the cingulate regions of the anterior corpus callosum and the hippocampus. We conclude that long-term hypercorticosteronemia induced brain region-specific changes that might include aberrant myelination and a degree of white matter damage, as both repair (GFAP) and immune (IBA1) responses are decreased. These findings suggest a cause for the changes observed in the brains of human patients and serve as a background for further exploration of their subcellular and molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Miguel Amaya
- Department of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Ernst Suidgeest
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Isabelle Sahut-Barnola
- Génétique Reproduction et Développement, Université Clermont-Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Typhanie Dumontet
- Génétique Reproduction et Développement, Université Clermont-Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Nathanaëlle Montanier
- Génétique Reproduction et Développement, Université Clermont-Auvergne, CNRS, INSERM, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Guilhem Pagès
- INRAE, AgroResonance, QuaPA UR370, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - Cécile Keller
- INRAE, AgroResonance, QuaPA UR370, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - Louise van der Weerd
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Human Genetics Department, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Alberto M Pereira
- Department of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Antoine Martinez
- INRAE, AgroResonance, QuaPA UR370, Saint-Genès-Champanelle, France
| | - Onno C Meijer
- Department of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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41
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Pearce SHS, Gan EH, Napier C. MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Residual adrenal function in Addison's disease. Eur J Endocrinol 2021; 184:R61-R67. [PMID: 33306039 PMCID: PMC7849375 DOI: 10.1530/eje-20-0894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Over the last 10 years, evidence has accumulated that autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD) is a heterogeneous disease. Residual adrenal function, characterised by persistent secretion of cortisol, other glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids is present in around 30% of patients with established AAD, and appears commoner in men. This persistent steroidogenesis is present in some patients with AAD for more than 20 years, but it is commoner in people with shorter disease duration. The clinical significance of residual adrenal function is not fully clear at the moment, but as it signifies an intact adrenocortical stem cell population, it opens up the possibility of regeneration of adrenal steroidogenesis and improvement in adrenal failure for some patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon H S Pearce
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
- Endocrine Unit, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK
- Correspondence should be addressed to S H S Pearce;
| | - Earn H Gan
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
- Endocrine Unit, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK
| | - Catherine Napier
- Endocrine Unit, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK
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Gannon AL, O’Hara L, Mason IJ, Jørgensen A, Frederiksen H, Curley M, Milne L, Smith S, Mitchell RT, Smith LB. Androgen Receptor Is Dispensable for X-Zone Regression in the Female Adrenal but Regulates Post-Partum Corticosterone Levels and Protects Cortex Integrity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 11:599869. [PMID: 33584538 PMCID: PMC7873917 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.599869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Adrenal androgens are fundamental mediators of ovarian folliculogenesis, embryonic implantation, and breast development. Although adrenal androgen function in target tissues are well characterized, there is little research covering the role of androgen-signaling within the adrenal itself. Adrenal glands express AR which is essential for the regression of the X-zone in male mice. Female mice also undergo X-zone regression during their first pregnancy, however whether this is also controlled by AR signaling is unknown. To understand the role of the androgen receptor (AR) in the female adrenal, we utilized a Cyp11a1-Cre to specifically ablate AR from the mouse adrenal cortex. Results show that AR-signaling is dispensable for adrenal gland development in females, and for X-zone regression during pregnancy, but is required to suppress elevation of corticosterone levels post-partum. Additionally, following disruption to adrenal AR, aberrant spindle cell development is observed in young adult females. These results demonstrate sexually dimorphic regulation of the adrenal X-zone by AR and point to dysfunctional adrenal androgen signaling as a possible mechanism in the early development of adrenal spindle cell hyperplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Louise Gannon
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Laura O’Hara
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ian J. Mason
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne Frederiksen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Curley
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Milne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rod T. Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lee B. Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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Sheng JA, Bales NJ, Myers SA, Bautista AI, Roueinfar M, Hale TM, Handa RJ. The Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis: Development, Programming Actions of Hormones, and Maternal-Fetal Interactions. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 14:601939. [PMID: 33519393 PMCID: PMC7838595 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.601939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is a complex system of neuroendocrine pathways and feedback loops that function to maintain physiological homeostasis. Abnormal development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis can further result in long-term alterations in neuropeptide and neurotransmitter synthesis in the central nervous system, as well as glucocorticoid hormone synthesis in the periphery. Together, these changes can potentially lead to a disruption in neuroendocrine, behavioral, autonomic, and metabolic functions in adulthood. In this review, we will discuss the regulation of the HPA axis and its development. We will also examine the maternal-fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and disruption of the normal fetal environment which becomes a major risk factor for many neurodevelopmental pathologies in adulthood, such as major depressive disorder, anxiety, schizophrenia, and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julietta A. Sheng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Natalie J. Bales
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Sage A. Myers
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Anna I. Bautista
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Mina Roueinfar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Taben M. Hale
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Robert J. Handa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, United States
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Hammer GD, Basham KJ. Stem cell function and plasticity in the normal physiology of the adrenal cortex. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 519:111043. [PMID: 33058950 PMCID: PMC7736543 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.111043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The adrenal cortex functions to produce steroid hormones necessary for life. To maintain its functional capacity throughout life, the adrenal cortex must be continually replenished and rapidly repaired following injury. Moreover, the adrenal responds to endocrine-mediated organismal needs, which are highly dynamic and necessitate a precise steroidogenic response. To meet these diverse needs, the adrenal employs multiple cell populations with stem cell function. Here, we discuss the literature on adrenocortical stem cells using hematopoietic stem cells as a benchmark to examine the functional capacity of particular cell populations, including those located in the capsule and peripheral cortex. These populations are coordinately regulated by paracrine and endocrine signaling mechanisms, and display remarkable plasticity to adapt to different physiological and pathological conditions. Some populations also exhibit sex-specific activity, which contributes to highly divergent proliferation rates between sexes. Understanding mechanisms that govern adrenocortical renewal has broad implications for both regenerative medicine and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary D Hammer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Endocrine Oncology Program, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kaitlin J Basham
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Berthon A, Settas N, Delaney A, Giannakou A, Demidowich A, Faucz FR, Seminara SB, Chen ME, Stratakis CA. Kisspeptin deficiency leads to abnormal adrenal glands and excess steroid hormone secretion. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 29:3443-3450. [PMID: 33089319 PMCID: PMC7906779 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Knockout mice for the kisspeptin receptor, Kiss1r (Kiss1r-/-) and its ligand kisspeptin, Kiss1 (Kiss1-/-) replicate the phenotype of isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) associated with variants of these genes in humans. A recent report suggests that kisspeptin may be involved in human fetal adrenocortical development and function. Herein, we characterized the adrenal function and morphology in Kiss1-/- mice that do not go through normal puberty. Two fetal markers were expressed in eosinophilic cells potentially derived from the X-zone that should disappear at puberty in male mice and during the first pregnancy in female animals. Although the hypercorticosteronism observed in Kiss1-/- females corrected overtime, hyperaldosteronism persisted at 14 months and correlated with the overexpression of Star. To determine if KISS1 and KISS1R genes are involved in the development of primary aldosteronism (PA) and hypercortisolism [Cushing's syndrome (CS)] in humans, we sequenced these 2 genes in 65 patients with PA and/or CS. Interestingly, a patient with CS presented with a germline KISS1 variant (p.H90D, rs201073751). We also found three rare variants in the KISS1R gene in three patients with PA: p.C95W (rs141767649), p.A189T (rs73507527) and p.R229R (rs115335009). The two missense variants have been previously associated with IHH. Our findings suggest that KISS1 may play a role in adrenal function in mice and possibly adrenocortical steroid hormone secretion in humans, beyond its recently described role in human fetal adrenocortical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabel Berthon
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Institut Cochin, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), INSERM, Université Paris Descartes, 75014 Paris, France
| | - Nikolaos Settas
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Angela Delaney
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Endocrinology Inter-Institute Training Programs, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Andreas Giannakou
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Andrew Demidowich
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Fabio R Faucz
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Stephanie B Seminara
- Harvard Reproductive Sciences Center and Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA02114, USA
| | - Margaret E Chen
- Harvard Reproductive Sciences Center and Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA02114, USA
| | - Constantine A Stratakis
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Endocrinology Inter-Institute Training Programs, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Francis JC, Gardiner JR, Renaud Y, Chauhan R, Weinstein Y, Gomez-Sanchez C, Lefrançois-Martinez AM, Bertherat J, Val P, Swain A. HOX genes promote cell proliferation and are potential therapeutic targets in adrenocortical tumours. Br J Cancer 2020; 124:805-816. [PMID: 33214683 PMCID: PMC7884796 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01166-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding the pathways that drive adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is essential to the development of more effective therapies. This study investigates the role of the transcription factor HOXB9 and other HOX factors in ACC and its treatment. Methods We used transgenic mouse models to determine the role of Hoxb9 in adrenal tumour development. Patient transcriptomic data was analysed for the expression of HOX genes and their association with disease. Drug response studies on various adrenocortical models were done to establish novel therapeutic options. Results Our human ACC dataset analyses showed high expression of HOXB9, and other HOX factors, are associated with poorer prognosis. Transgenic overexpression of Hoxb9 in the adrenal cortex of mice with activated Ctnnb1 led to larger adrenal tumours. This phenotype was preferentially observed in male mice and was characterised by more proliferating cells and an increase in the expression of cell cycle genes, including Ccne1. Adrenal tumour cells were found to be dependent on HOX function for survival and were sensitive to a specific peptide inhibitor. Conclusions These studies show Hoxb9 can promote adrenal tumour progression in a sex-dependent manner and have identified HOX factors as potential drug targets, leading to novel therapeutic approaches in ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey C Francis
- Division of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London, UK
| | - Jennifer R Gardiner
- Division of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London, UK
| | - Yoan Renaud
- Genétique Reproduction & Développement, CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Ritika Chauhan
- Tumour Profiling Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London, UK
| | - Yacob Weinstein
- The Shraga Segal Dept. of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Celso Gomez-Sanchez
- Division of Endocrinology, Medical Service, G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center, 1500 E. Woodrow Wilson Dr, Jackson, MS, 39216, USA
| | - Anne-Marie Lefrançois-Martinez
- Genétique Reproduction & Développement, CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jérôme Bertherat
- Institut Cochin, Inserm U1016, CNRS UMR 8104, Université Paris Descartes, UMR-S1016, 75014, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Val
- Genétique Reproduction & Développement, CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Amanda Swain
- Division of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, 237 Fulham Road, London, UK.
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Lyu Q, Wang H, Kang Y, Wu X, Zheng HS, Laprocina K, Junghans K, Ding X, Huang CCJ. RNA-Seq Reveals Sub-Zones in Mouse Adrenal Zona Fasciculata and the Sexually Dimorphic Responses to Thyroid Hormone. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5875105. [PMID: 32697836 PMCID: PMC7446775 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The sex-specific prevalence of adrenal diseases has been known for a long time. However, the reason for the high prevalence of these diseases in females is not completely understood. Mouse studies have shown that the adult adrenal gland is sexually dimorphic at different levels such as transcriptome, histology, and cell renewal. Here we used RNA-seq to show that in prepubertal mice, male and female adrenal glands were not only sexually dimorphic but also responded differently to the same external stimulus. We previously reported that thyroid hormone receptor β1 (TRβ1) in the adrenal gland is mainly expressed in the inner cortex and the fate of this TRβ1-expressing cell population can be changed by thyroid hormone (triiodothyronine; T3) treatment. In the present study, we found that adrenal glands in prepubertal mice were sexually dimorphic at the level of the transcriptome. Under T3 treatment, prepubertal females had 1162 genes differentially expressed between the saline and T3 groups, whereas in males of the same age, only 512 genes were T3-responsive. Immunostaining demonstrated that several top sexually dimorphic T3-responsive genes, including Cyp2f2 and Dhcr24, were specifically expressed in the adrenal inner cortex, precisely in an area partially overlapping with the X-zone. Under T3 treatment, a unique cortical layer that surrounds the adrenal X-zone expanded significantly, forming a distinct layer peculiar to females. Our findings identified novel marker genes for the inner adrenal cortex, indicating there are different sub-zones in the zona fasciculata. The results also highlight the sex-specific response to thyroid hormone in the mouse adrenal gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiongxia Lyu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary
Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
- College of Animal Science & Technology, Henan University of Science and
Technology, LuoYang, Henan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary
Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
- College of Informatics, HuaZhong Agricultural University, Wuhan,
Hubei, China
| | - Yuan Kang
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary
Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Xiangmeng Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University
of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Huifei Sophia Zheng
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary
Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Karly Laprocina
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary
Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Kristina Junghans
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary
Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Xinxin Ding
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University
of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Chen-Che Jeff Huang
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary
Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
- Center for Neurosciences Initiative, Auburn University, Auburn,
Alabama
- Correspondence: Chen-Che Jeff Huang, DVM, PhD, Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology,
College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, 221 Greene Hall, Auburn, AL 36849, USA.
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48
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Berthon A, Bertherat J. Update of Genetic and Molecular Causes of Adrenocortical Hyperplasias Causing Cushing Syndrome. Horm Metab Res 2020; 52:598-606. [PMID: 32097969 DOI: 10.1055/a-1061-7349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Bilateral hyperplasias of the adrenal cortex are rare causes of chronic endogenous hypercortisolemia also called Cushing syndrome. These hyperplasias have been classified in two categories based on the adrenal nodule size: the micronodular types include Primary Pigmented Nodular Adrenocortical Disease (PPNAD) and isolated Micronodular Adrenal Disease (iMAD) and the macronodular also named Primary Bilateral Macronodular Adrenal Hyperplasia (PBMAH). This review discusses the genetic and molecular causes of these different forms of hyperplasia that involve mutations and dysregulation of various regulators of the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway. PKA signaling is the main pathway controlling cortisol secretion in adrenocortical cells under ACTH stimulation. Although mutations of the regulatory subunit R1α of PKA (PRKAR1A) is the main cause of familial and sporadic PPNAD, inactivation of two cAMP-binding phosphodiesterases (PDE11A and PDE8B) are associated with iMAD even if they are also found in PPNAD and PBMAH cases. Interestingly, PBMAH that is observed in multiple familial syndrome such as APC, menin, fumarate hydratase genes, has initially been associated with the aberrant expression of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) leading to an activation of cAMP/PKA pathway. However, more recently, the discovery of germline mutations in Armadillo repeat containing protein 5 (ARMC5) gene in 25-50% of PBMAH patients highlights its importance in the development of PBMAH. The potential relationship between ARMC5 mutations and aberrant GPCR expression is discussed as well as the potential other causes of PBMAH.
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Taylor MJ, Ullenbruch MR, Frucci EC, Rege J, Ansorge MS, Gomez-Sanchez CE, Begum S, Laufer E, Breault DT, Rainey WE. Chemogenetic activation of adrenocortical Gq signaling causes hyperaldosteronism and disrupts functional zonation. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:83-93. [PMID: 31738186 DOI: 10.1172/jci127429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The mineralocorticoid aldosterone is produced in the adrenal zona glomerulosa (ZG) under the control of the renin-angiotensin II (AngII) system. Primary aldosteronism (PA) results from renin-independent production of aldosterone and is a common cause of hypertension. PA is caused by dysregulated localization of the enzyme aldosterone synthase (Cyp11b2), which is normally restricted to the ZG. Cyp11b2 transcription and aldosterone production are predominantly regulated by AngII activation of the Gq signaling pathway. Here, we report the generation of transgenic mice with Gq-coupled designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) specifically in the adrenal cortex. We show that adrenal-wide ligand activation of Gq DREADD receptors triggered disorganization of adrenal functional zonation, with induction of Cyp11b2 in glucocorticoid-producing zona fasciculata cells. This result was consistent with increased renin-independent aldosterone production and hypertension. All parameters were reversible following termination of DREADD-mediated Gq signaling. These findings demonstrate that Gq signaling is sufficient for adrenocortical aldosterone production and implicate this pathway in the determination of zone-specific steroid production within the adrenal cortex. This transgenic mouse also provides an inducible and reversible model of hyperaldosteronism to investigate PA therapeutics and the mechanisms leading to the damaging effects of aldosterone on the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Taylor
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Matthew R Ullenbruch
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Emily C Frucci
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Juilee Rege
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Mark S Ansorge
- The Sackler Institute for Developmental Psychobiology, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Celso E Gomez-Sanchez
- Endocrine Section, G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center and the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Salma Begum
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Edward Laufer
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - David T Breault
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - William E Rainey
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Luijten IHN, Brooks K, Boulet N, Shabalina IG, Jaiprakash A, Carlsson B, Fischer AW, Cannon B, Nedergaard J. Glucocorticoid-Induced Obesity Develops Independently of UCP1. Cell Rep 2020; 27:1686-1698.e5. [PMID: 31067456 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
An excess of glucocorticoids leads to the development of obesity in both mice and humans, but the mechanism for this is unknown. Here, we determine the extent to which decreased BAT thermogenic capacity (as a result of glucocorticoid treatment) contributes to the development of obesity. Contrary to previous suggestions, we show that only in mice housed at thermoneutrality (30°C) does corticosterone treatment reduce total BAT UCP1 protein. This reduction is reflected in reduced brown adipocyte cellular and mitochondrial UCP1-dependent respiration. However, glucocorticoid-induced obesity develops to the same extent in animals housed at 21°C and 30°C, whereas total BAT UCP1 protein levels differ 100-fold between the two groups. In corticosterone-treated wild-type and UCP1 knockout mice housed at 30°C, obesity also develops to the same extent. Thus, our results demonstrate that the development of glucocorticoid-induced obesity is not caused by a decreased UCP1-dependent thermogenic capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ineke H N Luijten
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, the Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katie Brooks
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, the Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nathalie Boulet
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, the Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Irina G Shabalina
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, the Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ankita Jaiprakash
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, the Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bo Carlsson
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, the Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexander W Fischer
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, the Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Cannon
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, the Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Nedergaard
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, the Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
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