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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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Hanxiao Y, Boyun Y, Minyue J, Xiaoxiao S. Identification of a novel competing endogenous RNA network and candidate drugs associated with ferroptosis in aldosterone-producing adenomas. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:9193-9216. [PMID: 37709486 PMCID: PMC10522391 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA), characterized by unilaterally excessive aldosterone production, is a common cause of primary aldosteronism. Ferroptosis, a recently raised iron-dependent mode of programmed cell death, has been involved in the development and therapy of various diseases. This study obtained datasets of the mRNA and lncRNA expression profiles for APA and adjacent adrenal gland (AAG) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and lncRNAs (DE lncRNAs) associated with ferroptosis were identified. Enrichment analyses indicated 89 ferroptosis-related DEGs were primarily enriched in ROS related processes and ferroptosis. Two physical cores, and one combined core were identified in the protein-protein interaction (PPI). DEGs and clinical traits were used in conjunction to screen eight hub genes from two hub modules and 89 DEGs. A competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed via co-express analysis. Thereafter, molecular docking was used to identify potential targets. Two active compounds, QL-X-138 and MK-1775, bound to AURKA and DUOX1, respectively, with the lowest binding energies. Molecular dynamics simulation verified the stability of the two complexes. In summary, our studies identified eight hub genes and a novel ceRNA regulatory network associated with ferroptosis, wherein QL-X-138 and MK-1775 were considered to be potential drugs for treating APA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hanxiao
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Boyun
- Department of Allergy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia Minyue
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Song Xiaoxiao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Gong S, Tetti M, Kemter E, Peitzsch M, Mulatero P, Bidlingmaier M, Eisenhofer G, Wolf E, Reincke M, Williams TA. TSPAN12 (Tetraspanin 12) Is a Novel Negative Regulator of Aldosterone Production in Adrenal Physiology and Aldosterone-Producing Adenomas. Hypertension 2023; 80:440-450. [PMID: 36458545 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.122.19783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) are a major cause of primary aldosteronism, a condition of low-renin hypertension, in which aldosterone overproduction is usually driven by a somatic activating mutation in an ion pump or channel. TSPAN12 is differentially expressed in different subgroups of APAs suggesting a role in APA pathophysiology. Our objective was to determine the function of TSPAN12 (tetraspanin 12) in adrenal physiology and pathophysiology. METHODS APA specimens, pig adrenals under dietary sodium modulation, and a human adrenocortical cell line HAC15 were used for functional characterization of TSPAN12 in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS Gene ontology analysis of 21 APA transcriptomes dichotomized according to high versus low TSPAN12 transcript levels highlighted a function for TSPAN12 related to the renin-angiotensin system. TSPAN12 expression levels in a cohort of 30 APAs were inversely correlated with baseline plasma aldosterone concentrations (R=-0.47; P=0.009). In a pig model of renin-angiotensin system activation by dietary salt restriction, TSPAN12 mRNA levels and TSPAN12 immunostaining were markedly increased in the zona glomerulosa layer of the adrenal cortex. In vitro stimulation of human adrenocortical human adrenocortical cells with 10 nM angiotensin II for 6 hours caused a 1.6-fold±0.13 increase in TSPAN12 expression, which was ablated by 10 μM nifedipine (P=0.0097) or 30 μM W-7 (P=0.0022). Gene silencing of TSPAN12 in human adrenocortical cells demonstrated its inverse effect on aldosterone secretion under basal and angiotensin II stimulated conditions. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that TSPAN12 is a negative regulator of aldosterone production and could contribute to aldosterone overproduction in primary aldosteronism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Gong
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Germany (S.G., M.T., M.B., M.R., T.A.W.)
| | - Martina Tetti
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Germany (S.G., M.T., M.B., M.R., T.A.W.).,Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy (M.T., P.M., T.A.W.)
| | - Elisabeth Kemter
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany (E.K., E.W.)
| | - Mirko Peitzsch
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany (M.P., G.E.)
| | - Paolo Mulatero
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy (M.T., P.M., T.A.W.)
| | - Martin Bidlingmaier
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Germany (S.G., M.T., M.B., M.R., T.A.W.)
| | - Graeme Eisenhofer
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany (M.P., G.E.).,Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Germany (G.E.)
| | - Eckhard Wolf
- Chair for Molecular Animal Breeding and Biotechnology, Gene Center and Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany (E.K., E.W.)
| | - Martin Reincke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Germany (S.G., M.T., M.B., M.R., T.A.W.)
| | - Tracy Ann Williams
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Germany (S.G., M.T., M.B., M.R., T.A.W.).,Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy (M.T., P.M., T.A.W.)
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Hibino E, Ichiyama Y, Tsukamura A, Senju Y, Morimune T, Ohji M, Maruo Y, Nishimura M, Mori M. Bex1 is essential for ciliogenesis and harbours biomolecular condensate-forming capacity. BMC Biol 2022; 20:42. [PMID: 35144600 PMCID: PMC8830175 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-022-01246-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary cilia are sensory organelles crucial for organ development. The pivotal structure of the primary cilia is a microtubule that is generated via tubulin polymerization reaction that occurs in the basal body. It remains to be elucidated how molecules with distinct physicochemical properties contribute to the formation of the primary cilia. RESULTS Here we show that brain expressed X-linked 1 (Bex1) plays an essential role in tubulin polymerization and primary cilia formation. The Bex1 protein shows the physicochemical property of being an intrinsically disordered protein (IDP). Bex1 shows cell density-dependent accumulation as a condensate either in nucleoli at a low cell density or at the apical cell surface at a high cell density. The apical Bex1 localizes to the basal body. Bex1 knockout mice present ciliopathy phenotypes and exhibit ciliary defects in the retina and striatum. Bex1 recombinant protein shows binding capacity to guanosine triphosphate (GTP) and forms the condensate that facilitates tubulin polymerization in the reconstituted system. CONCLUSIONS Our data reveals that Bex1 plays an essential role for the primary cilia formation through providing the reaction field for the tubulin polymerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emi Hibino
- Molecular Neuroscience Research Centre (MNRC), Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan.,Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan
| | - Yusuke Ichiyama
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Atsushi Tsukamura
- Molecular Neuroscience Research Centre (MNRC), Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan.,Department of Paediatrics, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan.,Department of Vascular Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Centre Research Institute, 6-1 Kishibe-Shimmachi, Suita, Osaka, 564-8565, Japan
| | - Yosuke Senju
- Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8530, Japan
| | - Takao Morimune
- Molecular Neuroscience Research Centre (MNRC), Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan.,Department of Paediatrics, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan.,Department of Vascular Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Centre Research Institute, 6-1 Kishibe-Shimmachi, Suita, Osaka, 564-8565, Japan
| | - Masahito Ohji
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Maruo
- Department of Paediatrics, Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Masaki Nishimura
- Molecular Neuroscience Research Centre (MNRC), Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan
| | - Masaki Mori
- Molecular Neuroscience Research Centre (MNRC), Shiga University of Medical Science, Seta Tsukinowa-cho, Otsu, Shiga, 520-2192, Japan. .,Department of Vascular Physiology, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Centre Research Institute, 6-1 Kishibe-Shimmachi, Suita, Osaka, 564-8565, Japan.
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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
- *Correspondence: Tracy Ann Williams,
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Spyroglou A, Piaditis GP, Kaltsas G, Alexandraki KI. Transcriptomics, Epigenetics, and Metabolomics of Primary Aldosteronism. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5582. [PMID: 34771744 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common cause of endocrine hypertension, mainly caused by aldosterone-producing adenomas or hyperplasia; understanding its pathophysiological background is important in order to provide ameliorative treatment strategies. Over the past several years, significant progress has been documented in this field, in particular in the clarification of the genetic and molecular mechanisms responsible for the pathogenesis of aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs). METHODS Systematic searches of the PubMed and Cochrane databases were performed for all human studies applying transcriptomic, epigenetic or metabolomic analyses to PA subjects. Studies involving serial analysis of gene expression and microarray, epigenetic studies with methylome analyses and micro-RNA expression profiles, and metabolomic studies focused on improving understanding of the regulation of autonomous aldosterone production in PA were all included. RESULTS In this review we summarize the main findings in this area and analyze the interplay between primary aldosteronism and several signaling pathways with differential regulation of the RNA and protein expression of several factors involved in, among others, steroidogenesis, calcium signaling, and nuclear, membrane and G-coupled protein receptors. Distinct transcriptomic and metabolomic patterns are also presented herein, depending on the mutational status of APAs. In particular, two partially opposite transcriptional and steroidogenic profiles appear to distinguish APAs carrying a KCNJ5 mutation from all other APAs, which carry different mutations. CONCLUSIONS These findings can substantially contribute to the development of personalized treatment in patients with PA.
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Gong S, Tetti M, Reincke M, Williams TA. Primary Aldosteronism: Metabolic Reprogramming and the Pathogenesis of Aldosterone-Producing Adenomas. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3716. [PMID: 34359615 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Primary aldosteronism is a common form of endocrine hypertension often caused by a hyper-secreting tumor of the adrenal cortex called an aldosterone-producing adenoma. Metabolic reprogramming plays a role in tumor progression and influences the tumor immune microenvironment by limiting immune-cell infiltration and suppressing its anti-tumor function. We hypothesized that the development of aldosterone-producing adenomas involves metabolic adaptations of its component tumor cells and intrinsically influences tumor pathogenesis. Herein, we use state-of-the-art computational tools for the comprehensive analysis of array-based gene expression profiles to demonstrate metabolic reprogramming and remodeling of the immune microenvironment in aldosterone-producing adenomas compared with paired adjacent adrenal cortical tissue. Our findings suggest metabolic alterations may function in the pathogenesis of aldosterone-producing adenomas by conferring survival advantages to their component tumor cells. Abstract Aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) are characterized by aldosterone hypersecretion and deregulated adrenocortical cell growth. Increased energy consumption required to maintain cellular tumorigenic properties triggers metabolic alterations that shape the tumor microenvironment to acquire necessary nutrients, yet our knowledge of this adaptation in APAs is limited. Here, we investigated adrenocortical cell-intrinsic metabolism and the tumor immune microenvironment of APAs and their potential roles in mediating aldosterone production and growth of adrenocortical cells. Using multiple advanced bioinformatics methods, we analyzed gene expression datasets to generate distinct metabolic and immune cell profiles of APAs versus paired adjacent cortex. APAs displayed activation of lipid metabolism, especially fatty acid β-oxidation regulated by PPARα, and glycolysis. We identified an immunosuppressive microenvironment in APAs, with reduced infiltration of CD45+ immune cells compared with adjacent cortex, validated by CD45 immunohistochemistry (3.45-fold, p < 0.001). APAs also displayed an association of lipid metabolism with ferroptosis and upregulation of antioxidant systems. In conclusion, APAs exhibit metabolic reprogramming towards fatty acid β-oxidation and glycolysis. Increased lipid metabolism via PPARα may serve as a key mechanism to modulate lipid peroxidation, a hallmark of regulated cell death by ferroptosis. These findings highlight survival advantages for APA tumor cells with metabolic reprogramming properties.
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