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Fu R, Walters K, Kaufman ML, Koc K, Baldwin A, Clay MR, Basham KJ, Kiseljak-Vassiliades K, Fishbein L, Mukherjee N. In Situ Spatial Reconstruction of Distinct Normal and Pathological Cell Populations Within the Human Adrenal Gland. J Endocr Soc 2023; 7:bvad131. [PMID: 37953901 PMCID: PMC10638100 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvad131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The human adrenal gland consists of concentrically organized, functionally distinct regions responsible for hormone production. Dysregulation of adrenocortical cell differentiation alters the proportion and organization of the functional zones of the adrenal cortex leading to disease. Current models of adrenocortical cell differentiation are based on mouse studies, but there are known organizational and functional differences between human and mouse adrenal glands. This study aimed to investigate the centripetal differentiation model in the human adrenal cortex and characterize aldosterone-producing micronodules (APMs) to better understand adrenal diseases such as primary aldosteronism. We applied spatially resolved in situ transcriptomics to human adrenal tissue sections from 2 individuals and identified distinct cell populations and their positional relationships. The results supported the centripetal differentiation model in humans, with cells progressing from the outer capsule to the zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis. Additionally, we characterized 2 APMs in a 72-year-old woman. Comparison with earlier APM transcriptomes indicated a subset of core genes, but also heterogeneity between APMs. The findings contribute to our understanding of normal and pathological cellular differentiation in the human adrenal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Fu
- RNA Biosciences Initiative and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Computational Biology, New York Genome Center, New York, NY 10013, USA
| | - Kathryn Walters
- RNA Biosciences Initiative and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Michael L Kaufman
- RNA Biosciences Initiative and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Katrina Koc
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Amber Baldwin
- RNA Biosciences Initiative and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Michael R Clay
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Kaitlin J Basham
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Katja Kiseljak-Vassiliades
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Research Service Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Lauren Fishbein
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Neelanjan Mukherjee
- RNA Biosciences Initiative and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine at Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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Warde KM, Smith LJ, Basham KJ. Age-related Changes in the Adrenal Cortex: Insights and Implications. J Endocr Soc 2023; 7:bvad097. [PMID: 37564884 PMCID: PMC10410302 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvad097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is characterized by a gradual decline in physiological function. This process affects all organs including the adrenal cortex, which normally functions to produce essential steroid hormones including mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and androgens. With increasing age, features such as reduced adrenal cortex size, altered zonation, and increased myeloid immune cell infiltration substantially alter the structure and function of the adrenal cortex. Many of these hallmark features of adrenal cortex aging occur both in males and females, yet are more enhanced in males. Hormonally, a substantial reduction in adrenal androgens is a key feature of aging, which is accompanied by modest changes in aldosterone and cortisol. These hormonal changes are associated with various pathological consequences including impaired immune responses, decreased bone health, and accelerated age-related diseases. One of the most notable changes with adrenal aging is the increased incidence of adrenal tumors, which is sex dimorphic with a higher prevalence in females. Increased adrenal tumorigenesis with age is likely driven by both an increase in genetic mutations as well as remodeling of the tissue microenvironment. Novel antiaging strategies offer a promising avenue to mitigate adrenal aging and alleviate age-associated pathologies, including adrenal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate M Warde
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Lorenzo J Smith
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Kaitlin J Basham
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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Lopez AG, Duparc C, Wils J, Naccache A, Castanet M, Lefebvre H, Louiset E. Steroidogenic cell microenvironment and adrenal function in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 535:111377. [PMID: 34216641 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The human adrenal cortex is a complex organ which is composed of various cell types including not only steroidogenic cells but also mesenchymal cells, immunocompetent cells and neurons. Intermingling of these diverse cell populations favors cell-to-cell communication processes involving local release of numerous bioactive signals such as biogenic amines, cytokines and neuropeptides. The resulting paracrine interactions play an important role in the regulation of adrenocortical cell functions both in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Especially, recent evidence indicates that adrenocortical cell microenvironment is involved in the pathogenesis of adrenal disorders associated with corticosteroid excess. The paracrine factors involved in these intraadrenal regulatory mechanisms may thus represent valuable targets for future pharmacological treatments of adrenal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine-Guy Lopez
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSERM, U1239, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Rouen, France; Rouen University Hospital, Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Rouen, France
| | - Céline Duparc
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSERM, U1239, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Rouen, France
| | - Julien Wils
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSERM, U1239, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Rouen, France; Rouen University Hospital, Department of Pharmacology, Rouen, France
| | - Alexandre Naccache
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSERM, U1239, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Rouen, France; Rouen University Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Rouen, France
| | - Mireille Castanet
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSERM, U1239, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Rouen, France; Rouen University Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Rouen, France
| | - Hervé Lefebvre
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSERM, U1239, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Rouen, France; Rouen University Hospital, Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Rouen, France.
| | - Estelle Louiset
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, INSERM, U1239, Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Rouen, France
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4
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Nadella K, Faucz FR, Stratakis CA. c-KIT oncogene expression in PRKAR1A-mutant adrenal cortex. Endocr Relat Cancer 2020; 27:591-599. [PMID: 32738126 PMCID: PMC7484269 DOI: 10.1530/erc-20-0270] [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: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Protein kinase A (PKA) regulatory subunit type 1A (PRKAR1A) defects lead to primary pigmented nodular adrenocortical disease (PPNAD). The KIT protooncogene (c-KIT) is not known to be expressed in the normal adrenal cortex (AC). In this study, we investigated the expression of c-KIT and its ligand, stem cell factor (SCF), in PPNAD and other cortisol-producing tumors of the adrenal cortex. mRNA and protein expression, by qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunoblotting (IB), respectively, were studied. We then tested c-KIT and SCF responses to PRKAR1A introduction and PKA stimulation in adrenocortical cell lines CAR47 and H295R, which were also treated with the KIT inhibitor, imatinib mesylate (IM). Mice xenografted with H295R cells were treated with IM. There was increased c-KIT mRNA expression in PPNAD; IHC showed KIT and SCF immunoreactivity within certain nodular areas in PPNAD. IB data was consistent with IHC and mRNA data. PRKAR1A-deficient CAR47 cells expressed c-KIT; this was enhanced by forskolin and lowered by PRKAR1A reintroduction. Knockdown of PKA's catalytic subunit (PRKACA) by siRNA reduced c-KIT levels. Treatment of the CAR47 cells with IM resulted in reduced cell viability, growth arrest, and apoptosis. Treatment with IM of mice xenografted with H295 cells inhibited further tumor growth. We conclude that c-KIT is expressed in PPNAD, an expression that appears to be dependent on PRKAR1A and/or PKA activity. In a human adrenocortical cell line and its xenografts in mice, c-KIT inhibition decreased growth, suggesting that c-KIT inhibitors may be a reasonable alternative therapy to be tested in PPNAD, when other treatments are not optimal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Nadella
- Section on Genetics & Endocrinology (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD20892, USA
| | - Fabio R. Faucz
- Section on Genetics & Endocrinology (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD20892, USA
- To whom all correspondence should be addressed: Fabio R. Faucz, PhD: SEGEN, NICHD, NIH - 9000 Rockville Pike, CRC, Bldg 10, Rm 1E-3216, Bethesda, MD 20892-1862, tel. 301-451-7177, fax 301-402-0574,
| | - Constantine A. Stratakis
- Section on Genetics & Endocrinology (SEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD20892, USA
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5
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Lefebvre H, Duparc C, Naccache A, Lopez AG, Castanet M, Louiset E. Paracrine Regulation of Aldosterone Secretion in Physiological and Pathophysiological Conditions. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2018; 109:303-339. [PMID: 30678861 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Aldosterone secretion by the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex is controlled by circulating factors including the renin angiotensin system (RAS) and potassium. Mineralocorticoid production is also regulated through an autocrine/paracrine mechanism by a wide variety of bioactive signals released in the vicinity of adrenocortical cells by chromaffin cells, nerve endings, cells of the immune system, endothelial cells and adipocytes. These regulatory factors include conventional neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. Their physiological role in the control of aldosterone secretion is not fully understood, but it is likely that they participate in the RAS-independent regulation of zona glomerulosa cells. Interestingly, recent observations indicate that autocrine/paracrine processes are involved in the pathophysiology of primary aldosteronism. The intraadrenal regulatory systems observed in aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA), although globally similar to those occurring in the normal adrenal gland, harbor alterations at different levels, which tend to strengthen the potency of paracrine signals to activate aldosterone secretion. Enhancement of paracrine stimulatory tone may participate to APA expansion and aldosterone hypersecretion together with somatic mutations of driver genes which activate the calcium signaling pathway and subsequently aldosterone synthase expression. Intraadrenal regulatory mechanisms represent thus promising pharmacological targets for the treatment of primary aldosteronism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hervé Lefebvre
- Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM, Rouen, France; Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France.
| | - Céline Duparc
- Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM, Rouen, France
| | - Alexandre Naccache
- Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM, Rouen, France; Unit of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Antoine-Guy Lopez
- Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM, Rouen, France; Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Mireille Castanet
- Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM, Rouen, France; Unit of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Rouen University Hospital, Rouen, France
| | - Estelle Louiset
- Laboratory of Neuronal and Neuroendocrine Differentiation and Communication, Normandie University, UNIROUEN, INSERM, Rouen, France
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6
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Boyer HG, Wils J, Renouf S, Arabo A, Duparc C, Boutelet I, Lefebvre H, Louiset E. Dysregulation of Aldosterone Secretion in Mast Cell–Deficient Mice. Hypertension 2017; 70:1256-1263. [DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.117.09746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hadrien-Gaël Boyer
- From the Normandie Université, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1239, Rouen, France (H.-G.B., J.W., S.R., C.D., I.B., H.L., E.L.); Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Biomedical Research, Rouen University Hospital, France (J.W.); Normandie Université, UNIROUEN, Rouen, France (A.A.); and Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, University Hospital of Rouen, France (H.L.)
| | - Julien Wils
- From the Normandie Université, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1239, Rouen, France (H.-G.B., J.W., S.R., C.D., I.B., H.L., E.L.); Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Biomedical Research, Rouen University Hospital, France (J.W.); Normandie Université, UNIROUEN, Rouen, France (A.A.); and Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, University Hospital of Rouen, France (H.L.)
| | - Sylvie Renouf
- From the Normandie Université, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1239, Rouen, France (H.-G.B., J.W., S.R., C.D., I.B., H.L., E.L.); Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Biomedical Research, Rouen University Hospital, France (J.W.); Normandie Université, UNIROUEN, Rouen, France (A.A.); and Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, University Hospital of Rouen, France (H.L.)
| | - Arnaud Arabo
- From the Normandie Université, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1239, Rouen, France (H.-G.B., J.W., S.R., C.D., I.B., H.L., E.L.); Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Biomedical Research, Rouen University Hospital, France (J.W.); Normandie Université, UNIROUEN, Rouen, France (A.A.); and Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, University Hospital of Rouen, France (H.L.)
| | - Céline Duparc
- From the Normandie Université, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1239, Rouen, France (H.-G.B., J.W., S.R., C.D., I.B., H.L., E.L.); Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Biomedical Research, Rouen University Hospital, France (J.W.); Normandie Université, UNIROUEN, Rouen, France (A.A.); and Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, University Hospital of Rouen, France (H.L.)
| | - Isabelle Boutelet
- From the Normandie Université, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1239, Rouen, France (H.-G.B., J.W., S.R., C.D., I.B., H.L., E.L.); Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Biomedical Research, Rouen University Hospital, France (J.W.); Normandie Université, UNIROUEN, Rouen, France (A.A.); and Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, University Hospital of Rouen, France (H.L.)
| | - Hervé Lefebvre
- From the Normandie Université, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1239, Rouen, France (H.-G.B., J.W., S.R., C.D., I.B., H.L., E.L.); Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Biomedical Research, Rouen University Hospital, France (J.W.); Normandie Université, UNIROUEN, Rouen, France (A.A.); and Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, University Hospital of Rouen, France (H.L.)
| | - Estelle Louiset
- From the Normandie Université, UNIROUEN, INSERM U1239, Rouen, France (H.-G.B., J.W., S.R., C.D., I.B., H.L., E.L.); Department of Pharmacology, Institute for Biomedical Research, Rouen University Hospital, France (J.W.); Normandie Université, UNIROUEN, Rouen, France (A.A.); and Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Research and Innovation in Biomedicine, University Hospital of Rouen, France (H.L.)
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7
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Röhrig T, Pihlajoki M, Ziegler R, Cochran RS, Schrade A, Schillebeeckx M, Mitra RD, Heikinheimo M, Wilson DB. Toying with fate: Redirecting the differentiation of adrenocortical progenitor cells into gonadal-like tissue. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 408:165-77. [PMID: 25498963 PMCID: PMC4417465 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2014.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Revised: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cell fate decisions are integral to zonation and remodeling of the adrenal cortex. Animal models exhibiting ectopic differentiation of gonadal-like cells in the adrenal cortex can shed light on the molecular mechanisms regulating steroidogenic cell fate. In one such model, prepubertal gonadectomy (GDX) of mice triggers the formation of adrenocortical neoplasms that resemble luteinized ovarian stroma. Transcriptomic analysis and genome-wide DNA methylation mapping have identified genetic and epigenetic markers of GDX-induced adrenocortical neoplasia. Members of the GATA transcription factor family have emerged as key regulators of cell fate in this model. Expression of Gata4 is pivotal for the accumulation of gonadal-like cells in the adrenal glands of gonadectomized mice, whereas expression of Gata6 limits the spontaneous and GDX-induced differentiation of gonadal-like cells in the adrenal cortex. Additionally, Gata6 is essential for proper development of the adrenal X-zone, a layer analogous to the fetal zone of the human adrenal cortex. The relevance of these observations to developmental signaling pathways in the adrenal cortex, to other animal models of altered adrenocortical cell fate, and to human diseases is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Röhrig
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Hochschule Mannheim - University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim 68163, Germany
| | - Marjut Pihlajoki
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Ricarda Ziegler
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Hochschule Mannheim - University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim 68163, Germany
| | - Rebecca S Cochran
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Anja Schrade
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Maximiliaan Schillebeeckx
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Robi D Mitra
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Markku Heikinheimo
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - David B Wilson
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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8
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Schillebeeckx M, Pihlajoki M, Gretzinger E, Yang W, Thol F, Hiller T, Löbs AK, Röhrig T, Schrade A, Cochran R, Jay PY, Heikinheimo M, Mitra RD, Wilson DB. Novel markers of gonadectomy-induced adrenocortical neoplasia in the mouse and ferret. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 399:122-30. [PMID: 25289806 PMCID: PMC4262703 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2014.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Revised: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Gonadectomy (GDX) induces sex steroid-producing adrenocortical tumors in certain mouse strains and in the domestic ferret. Transcriptome analysis and DNA methylation mapping were used to identify novel genetic and epigenetic markers of GDX-induced adrenocortical neoplasia in female DBA/2J mice. Markers were validated using a combination of laser capture microdissection, quantitative RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. Microarray expression profiling of whole adrenal mRNA from ovariectomized vs. intact mice demonstrated selective upregulation of gonadal-like genes including Spinlw1 and Insl3 in GDX-induced adrenocortical tumors of the mouse. A complementary candidate gene approach identified Foxl2 as another gonadal-like marker expressed in GDX-induced neoplasms of the mouse and ferret. That both "male-specific" (Spinlw1) and "female-specific" (Foxl2) markers were identified is noteworthy and implies that the neoplasms exhibit mixed characteristics of male and female gonadal somatic cells. Genome-wide methylation analysis showed that two genes with hypomethylated promoters, Igfbp6 and Foxs1, are upregulated in GDX-induced adrenocortical neoplasms. These new genetic and epigenetic markers may prove useful for studies of steroidogenic cell development and for diagnostic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximiliaan Schillebeeckx
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Marjut Pihlajoki
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Elisabeth Gretzinger
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Hochschule Mannheim, University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim 68163, Germany
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Franziska Thol
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Hochschule Mannheim, University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim 68163, Germany
| | - Theresa Hiller
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Hochschule Mannheim, University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim 68163, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Löbs
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Hochschule Mannheim, University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim 68163, Germany
| | - Theresa Röhrig
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Hochschule Mannheim, University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim 68163, Germany
| | - Anja Schrade
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Rebecca Cochran
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Patrick Y Jay
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Markku Heikinheimo
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Robi D Mitra
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David B Wilson
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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9
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Ohta R, Ohmukai H, Toyoizumi T, Shindo T, Marumo H, Ono H. Ovarian dysfunction, obesity and pituitary tumors in female mice following neonatal exposure to low-dose diethylstilbestrol. Reprod Toxicol 2014; 50:145-51. [PMID: 25450423 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2014.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Revised: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In a previous study, we found that early life exposure to low-dose diethylstilbestrol (DES) induced early onset of spontaneous abnormalities in estrus cycle and shortened survival in female Sprague-Dawley rats. In order to confirm the repeatability of the previous study, neonates of C57BL/6J mice were orally administered DES at doses of 0.005, 0.05, 0.5 and 5 μg/kg/day, and the aging of their reproductive function was observed. As a result, delayed toxicity on ovarian function was found in females treated with 0.5 μg/kg/day of DES. Concomitantly, the females in the 0.05 μg/kg/day of DES, or greater, groups, had increased body weights and, in the 0.5 μg/kg/day of DES, or greater, groups, had developed pituitary tumors, which were causal factors in their accelerated mortality. Thus, we found that early life exposure to low-dose DES induced early onset of spontaneous abnormalities in estrus cycle not only in female rats but also in female mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Ohta
- Hatano Research Institute, Food and Drug Safety Center, 729-5 Ochiai, Hadano, Kanagawa 257-8523, Japan.
| | - Hideo Ohmukai
- Hatano Research Institute, Food and Drug Safety Center, 729-5 Ochiai, Hadano, Kanagawa 257-8523, Japan
| | - Tomoyasu Toyoizumi
- Hatano Research Institute, Food and Drug Safety Center, 729-5 Ochiai, Hadano, Kanagawa 257-8523, Japan
| | - Tomoko Shindo
- Hatano Research Institute, Food and Drug Safety Center, 729-5 Ochiai, Hadano, Kanagawa 257-8523, Japan
| | - Hideki Marumo
- Hatano Research Institute, Food and Drug Safety Center, 729-5 Ochiai, Hadano, Kanagawa 257-8523, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ono
- Hatano Research Institute, Food and Drug Safety Center, 729-5 Ochiai, Hadano, Kanagawa 257-8523, Japan
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Yates R, Katugampola H, Cavlan D, Cogger K, Meimaridou E, Hughes C, Metherell L, Guasti L, King P. Adrenocortical Development, Maintenance, and Disease. Curr Top Dev Biol 2013; 106:239-312. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-416021-7.00007-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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11
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Krachulec J, Vetter M, Schrade A, Löbs AK, Bielinska M, Cochran R, Kyrönlahti A, Pihlajoki M, Parviainen H, Jay PY, Heikinheimo M, Wilson DB. GATA4 is a critical regulator of gonadectomy-induced adrenocortical tumorigenesis in mice. Endocrinology 2012; 153:2599-611. [PMID: 22461617 PMCID: PMC3359595 DOI: 10.1210/en.2011-2135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In response to gonadectomy certain inbred mouse strains develop sex steroidogenic adrenocortical neoplasms. One of the hallmarks of neoplastic transformation is expression of GATA4, a transcription factor normally present in gonadal but not adrenal steroidogenic cells of the adult mouse. To show that GATA4 directly modulates adrenocortical tumorigenesis and is not merely a marker of gonadal-like differentiation in the neoplasms, we studied mice with germline or conditional loss-of-function mutations in the Gata4 gene. Germline Gata4 haploinsufficiency was associated with attenuated tumor growth and reduced expression of sex steroidogenic genes in the adrenal glands of ovariectomized B6D2F1 and B6AF1 mice. At 12 months after ovariectomy, wild-type B6D2F1 mice had biochemical and histological evidence of adrenocortical estrogen production, whereas Gata4(+/-) B6D2F1 mice did not. Germline Gata4 haploinsufficiency exacerbated the secondary phenotype of postovariectomy obesity in B6D2F1 mice, presumably by limiting ectopic estrogen production in the adrenal glands. Amhr2-cre-mediated deletion of floxed Gata4 (Gata4(F)) in nascent adrenocortical neoplasms of ovariectomized B6.129 mice reduced tumor growth and the expression of gonadal-like markers in a Gata4(F) dose-dependent manner. We conclude that GATA4 is a key modifier of gonadectomy-induced adrenocortical neoplasia, postovariectomy obesity, and sex steroidogenic cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Krachulec
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
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12
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Hughes CR, Guasti L, Meimaridou E, Chuang CH, Schimenti JC, King PJ, Costigan C, Clark AJL, Metherell LA. MCM4 mutation causes adrenal failure, short stature, and natural killer cell deficiency in humans. J Clin Invest 2012; 122:814-20. [PMID: 22354170 DOI: 10.1172/jci60224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2011] [Accepted: 01/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
An interesting variant of familial glucocorticoid deficiency (FGD), an autosomal recessive form of adrenal failure, exists in a genetically isolated Irish population. In addition to hypocortisolemia, affected children show signs of growth failure, increased chromosomal breakage, and NK cell deficiency. Targeted exome sequencing in 8 patients identified a variant (c.71-1insG) in minichromosome maintenance-deficient 4 (MCM4) that was predicted to result in a severely truncated protein (p.Pro24ArgfsX4). Western blotting of patient samples revealed that the major 96-kDa isoform present in unaffected human controls was absent, while the presence of the minor 85-kDa isoform was preserved. Interestingly, histological studies with Mcm4-depleted mice showed grossly abnormal adrenal morphology that was characterized by non-steroidogenic GATA4- and Gli1-positive cells within the steroidogenic cortex, which reduced the number of steroidogenic cells in the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex. Since MCM4 is one part of a MCM2-7 complex recently confirmed as the replicative helicase essential for normal DNA replication and genome stability in all eukaryotes, it is possible that our patients may have an increased risk of neoplastic change. In summary, we have identified what we believe to be the first human mutation in MCM4 and have shown that it is associated with adrenal insufficiency, short stature, and NK cell deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire R Hughes
- Queen Mary University of London, Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London,, UK
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Bielinska M, Genova E, Boime I, Parviainen H, Kiiveri S, Leppäluoto J, Rahman N, Heikinheimo M, Wilson DB. Gonadotropin-induced adrenocortical neoplasia in NU/J nude mice. Endocrinology 2005; 146:3975-84. [PMID: 15919738 DOI: 10.1210/en.2004-1643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In response to prepubertal gonadectomy certain inbred mouse strains, including DBA/2J, develop sex steroid-producing adrenocortical neoplasms. This phenomenon has been attributed to a lack of gonadal hormones or a compensatory increase in gonadotropins. To assess the relative importance of these mechanisms, we created a new inbred model of adrenocortical neoplasia using female NU/J nude mice. These mice developed adrenocortical neoplasms in response to either gonadectomy or gonadotropin elevation from xenografts of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)-secreting Chinese hamster ovary cells. In each instance the adrenal tumors resembled the neoplasms found in gonadectomized DBA/2J mice and were composed of spindle-shaped A cells and lipid-laden B cells. Both cell populations were defined by ectopic expression of GATA-4 and an absence of the adrenocortical markers melanocortin-2-receptor and steroid 21-hydroxylase, but only B cells expressed the gonadal steroidogenic markers inhibin-alpha, LH receptor, P450c17, and P450c19. Expression of sex steroidogenic markers was attenuated in the neoplastic adrenal cortex of hCG-treated vs. gonadectomized mice. Whereas neoplastic adrenals were an obvious source of estradiol in gonadectomized mice, ovaries appeared to be the major source of this hormone in hCG-treated mice. Gonadectomy and hCG treatment elicited comparable increases in serum estradiol, but testosterone levels increased significantly only in hCG-treated mice. We conclude that chronic gonadotropin elevation, caused by either gonadectomy or hCG administration, signals a population of cells in the adrenal subcapsular region of permissive mice to undergo differentiation along a gonadal rather than an adrenal lineage. Thus, NU/J nude mice can be used as a model to study both neoplasia and adrenogonadal lineage specification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Bielinska
- Department of Pediatrics, Box 8208, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Kim JS, Kubota H, Sakai T, Doi K, Saegusa J. Electron microscopic study of subcapsular cell hyperplasia in the adrenal glands of IQI/Jic mice. Exp Anim 2005; 54:107-10. [PMID: 15725688 DOI: 10.1538/expanim.54.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperplastic cells in subcapsular cell hyperplasia (SCH) lesion in adrenal glands of female IQI/Jic mice were examined by electron microscopy. These cells were small and polygonal, and had irregular nuclei, elongated mitochondria with lamellar cristae and dense lipid droplets. While these cells showed different features, some of them had desmosomes and basement membranes, and a few round mitochondria with tubular cristae as endocrine cells. These findings suggest that hyperplastic cells in SCH lesions might originate from endocrine blastemic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Soo Kim
- National Institute of Industrial Health, Kawasaki, Japan
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Kim JS, Kubota H, Nam SY, Doi K, Saegusa J. Expression of cytokines and proteases in mast cells in the lesion of subcapsular cell hyperplasia in mouse adrenal glands. Toxicol Pathol 2000; 28:297-303. [PMID: 10805147 DOI: 10.1177/019262330002800209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
To examine the possible roles of mast cells in the pathogenesis of subcapsular cell hyperplasia (SCH) in the adrenal glands of mice, we investigated the expression of certain cytokines, including stem cell factor (SCF), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), nerve growth factor (NGF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), and mast cell-specific proteases, such as mouse mast cell protease (mMCP)-2 and mMCP-7. The mRNAs of c-kit (SCF receptor), bFGF, TNF-alpha, mMCP-2, and mMCP-7 were expressed in both the adrenal glands and the mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (mBMMCs). Immunoreactivities for cytokines (SCF, NGF, TNF-alpha) and proteases (mMCP-2, mMCP-7) were exclusively located in the mast cells in SCH lesions. The immature mBMMCs did not express the mRNAs of SCF and NGF, whereas the mast cells in the SCH lesions showed the expression of SCF and NGF. These findings suggest that SCH may provide a favorable microenvironment for functional maturation of mast cells to produce SCF and NGF, and the mast cells in SCH lesions synthesize SCF and NGF and may, in part, use them in autocrine fashion for their survival and differentiation. Therefore, mast cells may contribute to SCH pathogenesis by producing a range of multifunctional cytokines and proteases.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Kim
- National Institute of Industrial Health, Kawasaki, Japan
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