Fetal adrenal development: insight gained from adrenal tumors

Precise and coordinated mechanisms control the growth and functional differentiation of fetal organ systems. Conversely, tumor progression and the development of cancer probably occur through a process of dysregulation and dedifferentiation. Similarities exist between normal human fetal adrenal cortex and adrenal cancers, such as high expression of growth factors, including insulin-like growth factor II. Therefore, we might gain insight into factors involved in adrenocortical development through better understanding the development and progression of adrenocortical tumors. This review is prompted by recent gene profiling studies that have identified genes differentially expressed between normal and abnormal adrenal glands. Several of these genes are specific growth factors or key cell cycle regulators, in addition to genes not previously associated with adrenal growth or function.