1
|
Rege J, Udager AM. Molecular characterization of archival adrenal tumor tissue from patients with ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2025; 247:106666. [PMID: 39709101 PMCID: PMC12007412 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106666] [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: 08/09/2024] [Revised: 12/10/2024] [Accepted: 12/16/2024] [Indexed: 12/23/2024]
Abstract
Cushing syndrome represents a multitude of signs and symptoms associated with long-term and excessive exposure to glucocorticoids. Solitary cortisol-producing adenomas (CPAs) account for most cases of ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome (CS). Technological advances in next-generation sequencing have significantly increased our understanding about the genetic landscape of CPAs. However, the conventional approach utilizes fresh/frozen tissue samples, which are not routinely available for most clinical adrenal adenoma specimens. This coupled with the fact that CS is relatively rare reduces the accessibility to CPAs for research. In order to circumvent this issue, our group recently developed a sequencing strategy that allowed the use of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) CPA samples for mutation analysis. Our streamlined approach includes the visualization and genomic DNA (gDNA) capture of the cortisol-producing regions in the tumor using immunohistochemistry (IHC)-guided techniques followed by targeted and/or whole-exome sequencing analysis. This approach has the advantage of using both prospective and retrospective CPA cohorts since FFPE pathologic specimens are routinely banked. This review discusses this advanced approach using IHC-guided gDNA capture of pathologic tissue followed by NGS as a preferred method for mutational analysis of CPAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juilee Rege
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
| | - Aaron M Udager
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Trandafir AI, Gheorghe AM, Sima OC, Ciuche A, Petrova E, Nistor C, Carsote M. Cross-Disciplinary Approach of Adrenal Tumors: Insights into Primary Aldosteronism-Related Mineral Metabolism Status and Osteoporotic Fracture Risk. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17338. [PMID: 38139166 PMCID: PMC10743397 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Our objective was to overview the novel aspects in the field of adrenal gland neoplasms, namely, the management of bone status with respect to primary aldosteronism (PA). In the current narrative review, a PubMed study was conducted from inception until June 2023. The inclusion criteria were: human (clinically relevant) studies of any study design (at least 10 patients per study); English papers; and the following combination of key words within the title and/or abstract: "aldosterone" AND "bone", "skeleton", "osteoporosis", "fracture", "calcium", "parathyroid", "DXA", "osteocalcin", "P1NP", "alkaline phosphatase", "bone marker", "trabecular bone score", or "FRAX". The exclusion criteria were in vitro or animal studies, reviews, and case reports/series. We screened 1027 articles and finally included 23 studies (13 of case-control type, 3 cross-sectional, 5 prospective, 1 observational cohort, and 1 retrospective study). The assessments provided in these studies were as follows: nine studies addressed Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), another study pointed out a bone microarchitecture evaluation underlying trabecular bone score (TBS), and seven studies investigated the bone turnover markers (BTMs) profile. Moreover, 14 studies followed the subjects after adrenalectomy versus medical treatment, and 21 studies addressed secondary hyperparathyroidism in PA patients. According to our study on published data during a period of almost 40 years (n = 23, N = 3965 subjects aged between 38 and 64, with a mean age 56.75, and a female-to-male ratio of 1.05), a higher PTH in PA versus controls (healthy persons or subjects with essential hypertension) is expected, secondary hyperparathyroidism being associated in almost half of the adults diagnosed with PA. Additionally, mineral metabolism anomalies in PA may include lower serum calcium and higher urinary calcium output, all these three parameters being reversible under specific therapy for PA, regardless medical or surgical. The PA subgroup with high PTH seems at higher cardiovascular risk, while unilateral rather than bilateral disease was prone to this PTH anomaly. Moreover, bone mineral density (BMD) according to central DXA might show a higher fracture risk only in certain adults, TBS being a promising alternative (with a still unknown perspective of diabetes' influence on DXA-TBS results in PA). However, an overall increased fracture prevalence in PA is described in most studies, especially with respect to the vertebral site, the fracture risk that seems correctable upon aldosterone excess remission. These data recommend PA as a cause of secondary osteoporosis, a treatable one via PA intervention. There is still an area of debate the way to address BMTs profile in PA, the case's selection toward specific bone evaluation in every day practice, and further on, the understanding of the potential genetic influence at the level of bone and mineral complications in PA patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra-Ioana Trandafir
- PhD Doctoral School, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-I.T.); (O.-C.S.)
- Department of Endocrinology, C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, 011683 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana-Maria Gheorghe
- PhD Doctoral School, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-I.T.); (O.-C.S.)
- Department of Endocrinology, C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, 011683 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Oana-Claudia Sima
- PhD Doctoral School, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (A.-I.T.); (O.-C.S.)
- Department of Endocrinology, C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, 011683 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adrian Ciuche
- Department 4—Cardio-Thoracic Pathology, Thoracic Surgery II Discipline, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Thoracic Surgery Department, “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Emergency University Military Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Eugenia Petrova
- Department of Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (E.P.); (M.C.)
- Clinical Endocrinology Department, C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, 011683 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Claudiu Nistor
- Department 4—Cardio-Thoracic Pathology, Thoracic Surgery II Discipline, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania;
- Thoracic Surgery Department, “Dr. Carol Davila” Central Emergency University Military Hospital, 010825 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mara Carsote
- Department of Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania; (E.P.); (M.C.)
- Clinical Endocrinology Department, C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, 011683 Bucharest, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gong S, Sun N, Meyer LS, Tetti M, Koupourtidou C, Krebs S, Masserdotti G, Blum H, Rainey WE, Reincke M, Walch A, Williams TA. Primary Aldosteronism: Spatial Multiomics Mapping of Genotype-Dependent Heterogeneity and Tumor Expansion of Aldosterone-Producing Adenomas. Hypertension 2023; 80:1555-1567. [PMID: 37125608 PMCID: PMC10330203 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.20921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary aldosteronism is frequently caused by an adrenocortical aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) carrying a somatic mutation that drives aldosterone overproduction. APAs with a mutation in KCNJ5 (APA-KCNJ5MUT) are characterized by heterogeneous CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase) expression, a particular cellular composition and larger tumor diameter than those with wild-type KCNJ5 (APA-KCNJ5WT). We exploited these differences to decipher the roles of transcriptome and metabolome reprogramming in tumor pathogenesis. METHODS Consecutive adrenal cryosections (7 APAs and 7 paired adjacent adrenal cortex) were analyzed by spatial transcriptomics (10x Genomics platform) and metabolomics (in situ matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging) co-integrated with CYP11B2 immunohistochemistry. RESULTS We identified intratumoral transcriptional heterogeneity that delineated functionally distinct biological pathways. Common transcriptomic signatures were established across all APA specimens which encompassed 2 distinct transcriptional profiles in CYP11B2-immunopositive regions (CYP11B2-type 1 or 2). The CYP11B2-type 1 signature was characterized by zona glomerulosa gene markers and was detected in both APA-KCNJ5MUT and APA-KCNJ5WT. The CYP11B2-type 2 signature displayed markers of the zona fasciculata or reticularis and predominated in APA-KCNJ5MUT. Metabolites that promote oxidative stress and cell death accumulated in APA-KCNJ5WT. In contrast, antioxidant metabolites were abundant in APA-KCNJ5MUT. Finally, APA-like cell subpopulations-negative for CYP11B2 gene expression-were identified in adrenocortical tissue adjacent to APAs suggesting the existence of tumor precursor states. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide insight into intra- and intertumoral transcriptional heterogeneity and support a role for prooxidant versus antioxidant systems in APA pathogenesis highlighting genotype-dependent capacities for tumor expansion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Gong
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, München, Germany
| | - Na Sun
- Research Unit Analytical Pathology, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Germany
| | - Lucie S Meyer
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, München, Germany
| | - Martina Tetti
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, München, Germany
| | - Christina Koupourtidou
- Department for Cell Biology and Anatomy, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
- Graduate School Systemic Neurosciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Stefan Krebs
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis, Gene Center, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Giacomo Masserdotti
- Institute of Stem Cell Research, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
- Physiological Genomics, Biomedical Center (BMC), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU), Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Helmut Blum
- Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis, Gene Center, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - William E. Rainey
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrine, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Martin Reincke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, München, Germany
| | - Axel Walch
- Research Unit Analytical Pathology, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Germany
| | - Tracy Ann Williams
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, München, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tannai H, Makita K, Koike Y, Kubo H, Nakai K, Yamazaki Y, Tsurutani Y, Saito J, Matsui S, Kakuta Y, Sasano H, Nishikawa T. Node-by-node diagnosis for multiple ipsilateral nodules by segmental adrenal venous sampling in primary aldosteronism. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2023; 98:487-495. [PMID: 36471563 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14858] [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: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In patients with primary aldosteronism (PA), multiple adrenocortical nodules may be present on the surgical side. The aim of this study was to clarify the pathological diagnosis and the node-by-node diagnostic capability of segmental adrenal venous sampling (sAVS). DESIGN Retrospective study. PATIENTS A total of 162 patients who underwent adrenalectomy following sAVS were studied. MEASUREMENTS Multiple nodules on the surgical side were extracted while referring to contrast-enhanced computed tomography images. We also performed a detailed histopathological analysis of the resected specimens from patients undergoing sAVS, which included immunohistochemistry for CYP11B2. RESULTS In 11 (6.8%) patients, two to three nodules were detected on the surgical side. All patients were diagnosed by sAVS with at least one aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) for localized aldosterone elevation in tributaries. Seven patients showed a lateralization index value of ≥4 after ACTH stimulation. Histopathologically and clinically, two patients had two or three CYP11B2-positive APAs, and the other nine patients both APAs and non-APAs. The positive predictive value of the most suspected APA, that is, the drainer that showed the highest aldosterone level by sAVS, was 11/11 (100%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 71.5%-100%), while that for the second and third suspected APA was 3/7 (42.9%, 95% CI: 9.9%-81.6%), and they were significantly different (p = .01). Further, the positive predictive value of non-APA was 4/4 (100%, 95% CI: 39.8%-100%). CONCLUSIONS The sAVS could correctly diagnose the aldosterone production in multiple ipsilateral adrenal nodules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiromitsu Tannai
- Department of Radiology, Yokohama Rosai Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kohzoh Makita
- Department of Radiology, Nerima Hikarigaoka Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuya Koike
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Saiseikai Yokohama City Nanbu Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Haremaru Kubo
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, Yokohama Rosai Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kazuki Nakai
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, Yokohama Rosai Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yuto Yamazaki
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yuya Tsurutani
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, Yokohama Rosai Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Jun Saito
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, Yokohama Rosai Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Seishi Matsui
- Department of Radiology, Yokohama Rosai Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Yukio Kakuta
- Department of Pathology, Yokohama Rosai Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hironobu Sasano
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Nishikawa
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, Yokohama Rosai Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tetti M, Gong S, Veglio F, Reincke M, Williams TA. Primary aldosteronism: Pathophysiological mechanisms of cell death and proliferation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:934326. [PMID: 36004349 PMCID: PMC9393369 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.934326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism is the most common surgically curable form of hypertension. The sporadic forms of the disorder are usually caused by aldosterone overproduction from a unilateral adrenocortical aldosterone-producing adenoma or from bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia. The main knowledge-advances in disease pathophysiology focus on pathogenic germline and somatic variants that drive the excess aldosterone production. Less clear are the molecular and cellular mechanisms that lead to an increased mass of the adrenal cortex. However, the combined application of transcriptomics, metabolomics, and epigenetics has achieved substantial insight into these processes and uncovered the evolving complexity of disrupted cell growth mechanisms in primary aldosteronism. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent progress in our understanding of mechanisms of cell death, and proliferation in the pathophysiology of primary aldosteronism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Tetti
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, München, Germany
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Siyuan Gong
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, München, Germany
| | - Franco Veglio
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Martin Reincke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, München, Germany
| | - Tracy Ann Williams
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, München, Germany
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lorusso M, Rufini V, DE Crea C, Pennestrì F, Bellantone R, Raffaelli M. Integration of molecular imaging in the personalized approach of patients with adrenal masses. THE QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE AND MOLECULAR IMAGING : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE ITALIAN ASSOCIATION OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE (AIMN) [AND] THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RADIOPHARMACOLOGY (IAR), [AND] SECTION OF THE SOCIETY OF... 2022; 66:104-115. [PMID: 35343669 DOI: 10.23736/s1824-4785.22.03449-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Adrenal masses are a frequent finding in clinical practice. Many of them are incidentally discovered with a prevalence of 4% in patients undergoing abdominal anatomic imaging and require a differential diagnosis. Biochemical tests, evaluating hormonal production of both adrenal cortex and medulla (in particular, mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids and catecholamines), have a primary importance in distinguishing functional or non-functional lesions. Conventional imaging techniques, in particular computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are required to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions according to their appearance (size stability, contrast enhanced CT and/or chemical shift on MRI). In selected patients, functional imaging is a non-invasive tool able to explore the metabolic pathways involved thus providing additional diagnostic information. Several single photon emission tomography (SPET) and positron emission tomography (PET) radiopharmaceuticals have been developed and are available, each of them suitable for studying specific pathological conditions. In functional masses causing hypersecreting diseases (mainly adrenal hypercortisolism, primary hyperaldosteronism and pheochromocytoma), functional imaging can lateralize the involvement and guide the therapeutic strategy in both unilateral and bilateral lesions. In non-functioning adrenal masses with inconclusive imaging findings at CT/MR, [18F]-FDG evaluation of tumor metabolism can be helpful to characterize them by distinguishing between benign nodules and primary malignant adrenal disease (mainly adrenocortical carcinoma), thus modulating the surgical approach. In oncologic patients, [18F]-FDG uptake can differentiate between benign nodule and adrenal metastasis from extra-adrenal primary malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Lorusso
- PET/CT Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittoria Rufini
- Section of Nuclear Medicine, University Department of Radiological Sciences and Hematology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmela DE Crea
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy - .,Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Pennestrì
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Rocco Bellantone
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Raffaelli
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Renin-independent aldosterone production from one or both affected adrenal(s), a condition known as primary aldosteronism (PA), is a common cause of secondary hypertension. In this review, we aimed to summarize recent findings regarding pathophysiology of bilateral forms of PA, including sporadic bilateral hyperaldosteronism (BHA) and rare familial hyperaldosteronism. RECENT FINDINGS The presence of subcapsular aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2)-expressing aldosterone-producing micronodules, also called aldosterone-producing cell clusters, appears to be a common histologic feature of adrenals with sporadic BHA. Aldosterone-producing micronodules frequently harbor aldosterone-driver somatic mutations. Other potential factors leading to sporadic BHA include rare disease-predisposing germline variants, circulating angiotensin II type 1 receptor autoantibodies, and paracrine activation of aldosterone production by adrenal mast cells. The application of whole exome sequencing has also identified new genes that cause inherited familial forms of PA. SUMMARY Research over the past 10 years has significantly improved our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of bilateral PA. Based on the improved understanding of BHA, future studies should have the ability to develop more personalized treatment options and advanced diagnostic tools for patients with PA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazutaka Nanba
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - William E. Rainey
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Rege J, Hoxie J, Liu CJ, Cash MN, Luther JM, Gellert L, Turcu AF, Else T, Giordano TJ, Udager AM, Rainey WE, Nanba K. Targeted Mutational Analysis of Cortisol-Producing Adenomas. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e594-e603. [PMID: 34534321 PMCID: PMC8764218 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Somatic gene mutations have been identified in only about half of cortisol-producing adenomas (CPAs). Affected genes include PRKACA, GNAS, PRKAR1A, and CTNNB1. OBJECTIVE This work aims to expand our understanding of the prevalence of somatic mutations in CPAs from patients with overt Cushing syndrome (OCS) and "subclinical" mild autonomous cortisol excess (MACE), with an immunohistochemistry (IHC)‒guided targeted amplicon sequencing approach using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue. METHODS We analyzed FFPE adrenal tissue from 77 patients (n = 12 men, 65 women) with either OCS (n = 32) or MACE (n = 45). Using IHC for 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17A1) and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD3B2), we identified 78 CPAs (32 OCS CPAs and 46 MACE CPAs). Genomic DNA was isolated from the FFPE CPAs and subjected to targeted amplicon sequencing for identification of somatic mutations. RESULTS Somatic mutations were identified in 71.8% (56/78) of the CPAs. While PRKACA was the most frequently mutated gene in OCS CPAs (14/32, 43.8%), somatic genetic aberrations in CTNNB1 occurred in 56.5% (26/46) of the MACE CPAs. Most GNAS mutations were observed in MACE CPAs (5/7, 71.4%). No mutations were observed in PRKAR1A. In addition to the known mutations, we identified one previously unreported mutation in PRKACA. Two patients with MACE harbored 2 adjacent tumors within the same adrenal gland - one patient had 2 CPAs, and the other patient had a CPA and an aldosterone-producing adenoma (identified by IHC for aldosterone synthase). CONCLUSION A comprehensive FFPE IHC-guided gene-targeted sequencing approach identified somatic mutations in 71.8% of the CPAs. OCS CPAs demonstrated a distinct mutation profile compared to MACE CPAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juilee Rege
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Jessie Hoxie
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Chia-Jen Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Morgan N Cash
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - James M Luther
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Lan Gellert
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Adina F Turcu
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Tobias Else
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Thomas J Giordano
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Aaron M Udager
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - William E Rainey
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Correspondence: William E. Rainey, PhD, Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Room 2560C, MSRB II, 1150 W Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5622, USA.
| | - Kazutaka Nanba
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto 612-8555, Japan
- Kazutaka Nanba, MD, Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, 1150 W Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, 1-1 Mukaihata-cho, Fukakusa, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, 612-8555, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Williams TA, Reincke M. Pathophysiology and histopathology of primary aldosteronism. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2022; 33:36-49. [PMID: 34743804 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2021.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism (PA) can be sporadic or familial and classified into unilateral and bilateral forms. Sporadic PA predominates with excessive aldosterone production usually arising from a unilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) or bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia. Familial PA is rare and caused by germline variants, that partly correspond to somatic alterations in APAs. Classification into unilateral and bilateral PA determines the treatment approach but does not accurately mirror disease pathology. Some evidence indicates a disease continuum ranging from balanced aldosterone production from each adrenal to extreme asymmetrical bilateral aldosterone production. Nonetheless, surgical removal of the overactive adrenal in unilateral PA achieves highly successful outcomes and almost all patients are biochemically cured of their aldosteronism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Ann Williams
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, München, Germany; Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - Martin Reincke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, München, Germany
| |
Collapse
|