Adrenal Tumor Cell Types Discovered: New Treatment Role Possible

⁣ Updated June 18, 2025

Researchers at Kyushu University ‍have⁤ discovered that⁣ adrenal gland tumors, known as ‍aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs), are more complex than previously understood. These tumors, which cause⁤ high⁤ blood pressure, contain at least four ‍distinct cell types, including cells that produce cortisol, the body’s primary stress ⁣hormone. The findings, ⁢published in PNAS, explain why some APA patients experience unexpected health issues and could‍ lead to new treatment strategies ⁣that target the⁢ specific role each cell type plays.

Assistant professor ⁢Maki Yokomoto-Umakoshi⁣ of Kyushu University Hospital said the only current⁣ cure for APAs is surgery. She added that understanding how these tumors function at a molecular level is crucial ⁢for developing new drug treatments.

APAs are non-cancerous tumors on the adrenal glands, which produce hormones like aldosterone and cortisol. ‍APAs cause primary aldosteronism, where excessive aldosterone leads ⁢to high blood pressure.This condition‍ accounts for 5-10% of high ⁣blood pressure cases and increases the risk of ‍heart and blood vessel problems.

Yokomoto-Umakoshi⁣ noted that without treatment, patients risk heart disease, ⁤diabetes,⁢ and bone weakness.

The study focused on ⁢APAs caused by mutations in the KCNJ5 gene, present⁤ in 40-70% of ⁣cases.⁤ These ⁢tumors tend to be larger, occur at a younger age, and cause more severe symptoms than can be explained by⁤ aldosterone overproduction alone. The⁤ research ⁣team, led by Professor Yoshihiro Ogawa from Kyushu University, collaborated ⁤with Osaka University, Kyoto University, and‍ the University of Tokyo to map the location and ⁣function of different‍ cell types⁣ within these tumors,⁢ revealing genetic variations and hormone production.

The study revealed that APAs consist of at least four cell‍ types. The tumor begins with stress-responsive cells, which develop into either ‍aldosterone-producing or cortisol-producing cells. The cortisol-producing cells can then develop into stromal-like cells that aid tumor growth.Researchers also found an abundance of lipid-associated macrophages, immune cells potentially influencing hormone production ‍and tumor growth. This ‍highlights the complex role of⁢ immune cells⁣ in tumor development.

Yokomoto-Umakoshi said the tumors contain diverse hormone-producing cells⁣ that can affect a patient’s⁣ health in ‍various ways, including bone weakness caused by excess ⁣cortisol.⁣ Understanding the role of ⁤each cell ⁤type is ⁢key to targeted therapies.

What’s next

Researchers plan to extend their analysis to other APA ⁤types and‍ tumors that produce excess hormones. They hope their⁤ findings will pave the way for new drug treatments targeting lipid-associated macrophages or ⁣excess cortisol.