Work

Single-cell transcriptomic analysis reveals metabolic reprogramming and tumor microenvironment remodeling in aldosterone-producing adenoma

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) is a significant cause of primary aldosteronism, however, its cellular heterogeneity remains unclear. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing on adrenal tissues from three APA patients and three controls. We identified CAPS + zona glomerulosa (ZG)-like cells in APA with upregulated lipogenesis, oxidative phosphorylation, and mTOR signaling, indicating metabolic reprogramming. Pseudotime analysis revealed disrupted differentiation and aberrant CYP11B1 , CYP11B2 , and SULT2A1 expression. Oncogenic Myc, Wnt, and G2/M pathways were activated in ZR-like clusters. APA showed immune infiltration (B cells, CD8 + T cells, M1 macrophages), angiogenic activation (VWF + endothelial cells), and fibroblast-driven stromal remodeling via Hedgehog signaling. Our study provides a comprehensive single-cell atlas of APA, uncovering key tumorigenic mechanisms and identifying potential biomarkers (e.g., CAPS , VWF , UPK3B ) and therapeutic targets, including mTOR and Hedgehog/Wnt pathways. These findings advance the genomic understanding of adrenal tumors and support precision medicine development. • Single-cell atlas reveals multicellular remodeling in aldosterone-producing adenoma. • Metabolic reprogramming and oncogenic signaling drive APA pathogenesis. • Disrupted differentiation trajectories underlie steroidogenic dysfunction in APA.

Source: Genomics

DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2025.111164

Authors: Jing Huang, Fei Qin, Jianling Li

Institutions: Guangxi Medical University, First Affiliated Hospital of GuangXi Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Hormonal Regulation and Hypertension

Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,980