Human adrenocortical organoids for tissue regeneration and disease modeling

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Qing Li - , Nanchang University (Author)
  • Xiaoyu Li - , Nanchang University (Author)
  • Yiming Zhang - , Nanchang University (Author)
  • Yanting Shen - , Fudan University (Author)
  • Zhiqiang Lu - , Fudan University (Author)
  • Wei Chen - , Fudan University (Author)
  • Yujun Liu - , Fudan University (Author)
  • Shuang Wu - , BioGenous BIOTECH (Author)
  • Xiaofeng Gong - , BioGenous BIOTECH (Author)
  • Xuewen Li - , BioGenous BIOTECH (Author)
  • Nicole Bechmann - , Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Author)
  • Jingjing Jiang - , Fudan University (Author)
  • Bing Zhao - , Nanchang University, BioGenous BIOTECH (Author)

Abstract

The adrenal glands are essential endocrine organs that secrete key hormones maintaining physiological homeostasis. Herein, we established expandable three-dimensional (3D) human adrenocortical organoid (ACO) cultures that preserved the characteristic of zona fasciculata cell lineages and retained their capacity to produce cortisol. The ACOs could secrete glucocorticoids in response to physiological stimuli and thus rescue adrenalectomized mice, indicating their potential for the treatment of primary adrenal insufficiency. Furthermore, by introducing a hotspot pathogenic variant (PRKACA L206R) identified in Cushing’s syndrome, we achieved the organoid disease modeling of cortisol-producing adenomas. In summary, this study establishes a human organoid platform to explore homeostasis and dysfunction in adrenal glands, suggesting future applications in disease modeling and regenerative medicine.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number102679
JournalStem cell reports
Volume20
Issue number11
Publication statusPublished - 11 Nov 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 41106389
ORCID /0000-0002-6932-333X/work/203072167

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • adrenal insufficiency, adrenal regeneration, adrenocortical adenoma, human adrenocortical organoids, PRKACA L206R