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Murakami M, Hara K, Ikeda K, Horino M, Okazaki R, Niitsu Y, Takeuchi A, Aoki J, Shiba K, Tsujimoto K, Komiya C, Nakamura Y, Kurata M, Akashi T, Fujii Y, Yamada T. Single-Nucleus Analysis Reveals Tumor Heterogeneity of Aldosterone-Producing Adenoma. Hypertension 2024; 81:361-371. [PMID: 38095094 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.21446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent advances in omics techniques have allowed detailed genetic characterization of aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA). The pathogenesis of APA is characterized by tumorigenesis-associated aldosterone synthesis. The pathophysiological intricacies of APAs have not yet been elucidated at the level of individual cells. Therefore, a single-cell level analysis is speculated to be valuable in studying the differentiation process of APA. METHODS We conducted single-nucleus RNA sequencing of APAs with KCNJ5 mutation and nonfunctional adenomas obtained from 3 and 2 patients, respectively. RESULTS The single-nucleus RNA sequencing revealed the intratumoral heterogeneity of APA and identified cell populations consisting of a shared cluster of nonfunctional adenoma and APA. In addition, we extracted 2 cell fates in APA and obtained a cell population specialized in aldosterone synthesis. Genes related to ribosomes and neurodegenerative diseases were upregulated in 1 of these fates, whereas those related to the regulation of glycolysis were upregulated in the other fate. Furthermore, the total RNA reads in the nucleus were higher in hormonally activated clusters, indicating a marked activation of transcription per cell. CONCLUSIONS The single-nucleus RNA sequencing revealed intratumoral heterogeneity of APA with KCNJ5 mutation. The observation of 2 cell fates in KCNJ5-mutated APAs provides the postulation that a heterogeneous process of cellular differentiation was implicated in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying APA tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanori Murakami
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences (M.M., K.H., K.I., M.H., R.O., Y.N., A.T., J.A., K.S., K.T., C.K., T.Y.), Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Kazunari Hara
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences (M.M., K.H., K.I., M.H., R.O., Y.N., A.T., J.A., K.S., K.T., C.K., T.Y.), Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Kenji Ikeda
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences (M.M., K.H., K.I., M.H., R.O., Y.N., A.T., J.A., K.S., K.T., C.K., T.Y.), Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Masato Horino
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences (M.M., K.H., K.I., M.H., R.O., Y.N., A.T., J.A., K.S., K.T., C.K., T.Y.), Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Rei Okazaki
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences (M.M., K.H., K.I., M.H., R.O., Y.N., A.T., J.A., K.S., K.T., C.K., T.Y.), Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Niitsu
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences (M.M., K.H., K.I., M.H., R.O., Y.N., A.T., J.A., K.S., K.T., C.K., T.Y.), Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Akira Takeuchi
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences (M.M., K.H., K.I., M.H., R.O., Y.N., A.T., J.A., K.S., K.T., C.K., T.Y.), Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Jun Aoki
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences (M.M., K.H., K.I., M.H., R.O., Y.N., A.T., J.A., K.S., K.T., C.K., T.Y.), Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Kumiko Shiba
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences (M.M., K.H., K.I., M.H., R.O., Y.N., A.T., J.A., K.S., K.T., C.K., T.Y.), Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
- Center for Personalized Medicine for Healthy Aging (K.S.), Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Tsujimoto
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences (M.M., K.H., K.I., M.H., R.O., Y.N., A.T., J.A., K.S., K.T., C.K., T.Y.), Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Chikara Komiya
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences (M.M., K.H., K.I., M.H., R.O., Y.N., A.T., J.A., K.S., K.T., C.K., T.Y.), Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Yuki Nakamura
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences (Y.N., Y.F.), Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Morito Kurata
- Department of Comprehensive Pathology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences (M.K.), Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Takumi Akashi
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences (T.A.), Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
- Division of Surgical Pathology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital, Japan (T.A.)
| | - Yasuhisa Fujii
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences (Y.N., Y.F.), Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Yamada
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences (M.M., K.H., K.I., M.H., R.O., Y.N., A.T., J.A., K.S., K.T., C.K., T.Y.), Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan
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Ekman N, Grossman AB, Dworakowska D. What We Know about and What Is New in Primary Aldosteronism. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:900. [PMID: 38255973 PMCID: PMC10815558 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020900] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism (PA), a significant and curable cause of secondary hypertension, is seen in 5-10% of hypertensive patients, with its prevalence contingent upon the severity of the hypertension. The principal aetiologies of PA include bilateral idiopathic hypertrophy (BIH) and aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs), while the less frequent causes include unilateral hyperplasia, familial hyperaldosteronism (FH) types I-IV, aldosterone-producing carcinoma, and ectopic aldosterone synthesis. This condition, characterised by excessive aldosterone secretion, leads to augmented sodium and water reabsorption alongside potassium loss, culminating in distinct clinical hallmarks: elevated aldosterone levels, suppressed renin levels, and hypertension. Notably, hypokalaemia is present in only 28% of patients with PA and is not a primary indicator. The association of PA with an escalated cardiovascular risk profile, independent of blood pressure levels, is notable. Patients with PA exhibit a heightened incidence of cardiovascular events compared to counterparts with essential hypertension, matched for age, sex, and blood pressure levels. Despite its prevalence, PA remains frequently undiagnosed, underscoring the imperative for enhanced screening protocols. The diagnostic process for PA entails a tripartite assessment: the aldosterone/renin ratio (ARR) as the initial screening tool, followed by confirmatory and subtyping tests. A positive ARR necessitates confirmatory testing to rule out false positives. Subtyping, achieved through computed tomography and adrenal vein sampling, aims to distinguish between unilateral and bilateral PA forms, guiding targeted therapeutic strategies. New radionuclide imaging may facilitate and accelerate such subtyping and localisation. For unilateral adrenal adenoma or hyperplasia, surgical intervention is optimal, whereas bilateral idiopathic hyperplasia warrants treatment with mineralocorticoid antagonists (MRAs). This review amalgamates established and emerging insights into the management of primary aldosteronism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Ekman
- Department of Hypertension & Diabetology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-214 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Ashley B. Grossman
- Centre for Endocrinology, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK;
| | - Dorota Dworakowska
- Department of Hypertension & Diabetology, Medical University of Gdańsk, 80-214 Gdańsk, Poland;
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Azizan EAB, Drake WM, Brown MJ. Primary aldosteronism: molecular medicine meets public health. Nat Rev Nephrol 2023; 19:788-806. [PMID: 37612380 PMCID: PMC7615304 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00753-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism is the most common single cause of hypertension and is potentially curable when only one adrenal gland is the culprit. The importance of primary aldosteronism to public health derives from its high prevalence but huge under-diagnosis (estimated to be <1% of all affected individuals), despite the consequences of poor blood pressure control by conventional therapy and enhanced cardiovascular risk. This state of affairs is attributable to the fact that the tools used for diagnosis or treatment are still those that originated in the 1970-1990s. Conversely, molecular discoveries have transformed our understanding of adrenal physiology and pathology. Many molecules and processes associated with constant adrenocortical renewal and interzonal metamorphosis also feature in aldosterone-producing adenomas and aldosterone-producing micronodules. The adrenal gland has one of the most significant rates of non-silent somatic mutations, with frequent selection of those driving autonomous aldosterone production, and distinct clinical presentations and outcomes for most genotypes. The disappearance of aldosterone synthesis and cells from most of the adult human zona glomerulosa is the likely driver of the mutational success that causes aldosterone-producing adenomas, but insights into the pathways that lead to constitutive aldosterone production and cell survival may open up opportunities for novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena A B Azizan
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The National University of Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Endocrine Hypertension, Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Precision Medicine, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - William M Drake
- St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR Barts Biomedical Research Centre, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Morris J Brown
- Endocrine Hypertension, Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Precision Medicine, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.
- NIHR Barts Biomedical Research Centre, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.
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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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