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Advanced Research on the Adrenal Gland and Hormones

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pharmacology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 August 2025 | Viewed by 5096

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Swiecickiego 6 St, 60-781 Poznan, Poland
Interests: adrenal gland; HPA axis; molecular endocrinology; adrenal cancer; physiology; bioactive peptides; transcriptomic studies

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the physiological and pathophysiological activities of the adrenal glands, the sophisticated interaction of hormones, secreted through endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine pathways, plays a crucial role. Specifically, the intricate regulation of adrenal activity results in the secretion of glucocorticosteroid hormones. These hormones induce the release of neuropeptide Y (NPY) by hypothalamic neurons while simultaneously inhibiting the secretion of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH).

Beyond traditional adrenocortical secretagogues like angiotensin 2 and corticotropin, recent findings reveal a diverse array of biologically active peptides functioning as hormones. These peptides impact the growth, morphogenesis, and function of the adrenal gland. For instance, adropin, a peptide, has demonstrated the intriguing ability to stimulate proliferation while inhibiting adrenocortical steroidogenesis in human adrenal carcinoma cell cultures and cell lines through GPR19 receptor activation. Another peptide, nesfatin, expressed in the human adrenal gland, exhibits a dual capacity to impede proliferation and promote apoptosis. This effect is potentially mediated by genes such as Bax, BCL-XL, BCL-2, and signaling cascades involving ERK1/2, p38, and JNK1/2.

Adropin and nesfatin exemplify only a fraction of the biologically active peptides influencing adrenal gland functions. This group also includes well-studied hormones associated with feeding behavior, such as orexin, leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, and classic examples like IGF2, a mitogenic peptide hormone implicated in adrenocortical carcinoma with prognostic significance.

Recognizing the multifaceted roles of bioactive hormones in the physiological and pathophysiological functions of the adrenal gland, we are pleased to announce a Special Issue of IJMS entitled ‘Advanced Research on the Adrenal Gland and Hormones’. This Special Issue aims to offer a comprehensive view by presenting high-quality review papers and original research focusing on the effects of hormones on adrenal gland functions. We encourage the submission of papers that collectively contribute to a better understanding of these intriguing interactions.

Prof. Dr. Marcin Ruciński
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • bioactive peptides
  • adrenal gland
  • adrenocortical carcinoma
  • HPA axis
  • G protein-coupled receptor
  • hormones
  • steroidogenesis

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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15 pages, 5751 KiB  
Article
Expression Patterns of MOTS-c in Adrenal Tumors: Results from a Preliminary Study
by Kacper Kamiński, Małgorzata Blatkiewicz, Marta Szyszka, Anna Olechnowicz, Hanna Komarowska, Anna Klimont, Tomasz Wierzbicki, Marek Karczewski, Marek Ruchała and Marcin Rucinski
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(16), 8721; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25168721 - 9 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1592
Abstract
Adrenal tumors, such as adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), adrenocortical adenoma (ACA), and pheochromocytoma (PCC) are complex diseases with unclear causes and treatments. Mitochondria and mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) are crucial for cancer cell survival. The primary aim of this study was to analyze samples from [...] Read more.
Adrenal tumors, such as adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), adrenocortical adenoma (ACA), and pheochromocytoma (PCC) are complex diseases with unclear causes and treatments. Mitochondria and mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) are crucial for cancer cell survival. The primary aim of this study was to analyze samples from different adrenal diseases, adrenocortical carcinoma, adrenocortical adenoma, and pheochromocytoma, and compare them with normal adrenal tissue to determine whether the expression levels of the mitochondrial open reading frame of the 12S rRNA type-c (MOTS-c) gene and protein vary between different types of adrenal tumors compared to healthy controls using qPCR, ELISA, and IHC methods. Results showed decreased MOTS-c mRNA expression in all adrenal tumors compared to controls, while serum MOTS-c protein levels increased in ACA and PCC but not in ACC. The local distribution of MOTS-c protein in adrenal tissue was reduced in all tumors. Notably, MOTS-c protein expression declined with ACC progression (stages III and IV) but was unrelated to patient age or sex. Tumor size and testosterone levels positively correlated with MOTS-c mRNA but negatively with serum MOTS-c protein. Additionally, serum MOTS-c protein correlated positively with glucose, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and SHGB levels. These findings suggest disrupted expression of MOTS-c in the spectrum of adrenal diseases, which might be caused by mechanisms involving increased mitochondrial dysfunction and structural changes in the tissue associated with disease progression. This study provides a detailed examination of MOTS-c mRNA and protein in adrenal tumors, indicating the potential role of MDPs in tumor biology and progression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on the Adrenal Gland and Hormones)
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14 pages, 5257 KiB  
Article
Role of Different Variants of Leptin Receptor in Human Adrenal Tumor Types
by Anna Klimont, Marcin Ruciński, Nadia Sawicka-Gutaj, Marta Szyszka, Małgorzata Blatkiewicz, Tomasz Wierzbicki, Marek Karczewski, Małgorzata Janicka-Jedyńska, Marek Ruchała and Hanna Komarowska
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(16), 8682; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25168682 - 9 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1141
Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic significance of leptin receptor isoforms in adrenal tumors. In a single-center study, 96 patients (19 with adrenal cortical carcinoma and 77 with benign tumors) underwent an adrenalectomy. A total of 14 [...] Read more.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic significance of leptin receptor isoforms in adrenal tumors. In a single-center study, 96 patients (19 with adrenal cortical carcinoma and 77 with benign tumors) underwent an adrenalectomy. A total of 14 unaffected adrenal gland tissues from kidney donors were used as controls. Fasting blood samples were collected for laboratory tests, and mRNA expressions of leptin receptor isoforms were assessed by RT-qPCR. The study analyzed correlations between mRNA expressions and clinical data and measured NCI-H295R cell proliferation via a real-time cell analyzer. All adrenal lesions expressed leptin receptor isoforms. Significantly lower LepR1 expression was observed in carcinoma tissues than in adenomas and controls (p = 0.016). Expressions of LepR3&LepR6 were correlated with overall survival (p = 0.036), while LepR2&LepR4 and LepR5 expressions were inversely related to morning serum cortisol levels (p = 0.041). Leptin reduced NCI-H295R cell proliferation (p < 0.0001). The study highlights the diagnostic and prognostic significance of leptin receptor isoforms in adrenal tumors. Specifically, LepR1 may serve as a diagnostic marker for carcinomas, while LepR3&LepR6 have potential use as prognostic markers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on the Adrenal Gland and Hormones)
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15 pages, 4162 KiB  
Article
Chronic Epinephrine-Induced Endoplasmic Reticulum and Oxidative Stress Impairs Pancreatic β-Cells Function and Fate
by Ran Zhang, Bingpeng Yao, Rui Li, Sean W. Limesand, Yongju Zhao and Xiaochuan Chen
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(13), 7029; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25137029 - 27 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1419
Abstract
Epinephrine influences the function of pancreatic β-cells, primarily through the α2A-adrenergic receptor (α2A-AR) on their plasma membrane. Previous studies indicate that epinephrine transiently suppresses insulin secretion, whereas prolonged exposure induces its compensatory secretion. Nonetheless, the impact of epinephrine-induced α2A-AR signaling on the survival [...] Read more.
Epinephrine influences the function of pancreatic β-cells, primarily through the α2A-adrenergic receptor (α2A-AR) on their plasma membrane. Previous studies indicate that epinephrine transiently suppresses insulin secretion, whereas prolonged exposure induces its compensatory secretion. Nonetheless, the impact of epinephrine-induced α2A-AR signaling on the survival and function of pancreatic β-cells, particularly the impact of reprogramming after their removal from sustained epinephrine stimulation, remains elusive. In the present study, we applied MIN6, a murine insulinoma cell line, with 3 days of high concentration epinephrine incubation and 2 days of standard incubation, explored cell function and activity, and analyzed relevant regulatory pathways. The results showed that chronic epinephrine incubation led to the desensitization of α2A-AR and enhanced insulin secretion. An increased number of docked insulin granules and impaired Syntaxin-2 was found after chronic epinephrine exposure. Growth curve and cell cycle analyses showed the inhibition of cell proliferation. Transcriptome analysis showed the occurrence of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) and oxidative stress, such as the presence of BiP, CHOP, IRE1, ATF4, and XBP, affecting cellular endoplasmic reticulum function and survival, along with UCP2, OPA1, PINK, and PRKN, associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Consequently, we conclude that chronic exposure to epinephrine induces α2A-AR desensitization and leads to ER and oxidative stress, impairing protein processing and mitochondrial function, leading to modified pancreatic β-cell secretory function and cell fate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Research on the Adrenal Gland and Hormones)
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