Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Establishment of Zone-Enriched Primary Cultures from the Mouse Adrenal Cortex
Published on: May 8, 2026
Extracellular matrix and hormones modulate DAX-1 localization in the human fetal adrenal gland
Marie-Claude Battista1, Mélissa Otis, Mylène Côté
1Service of Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sherbrooke, 3001 12th Avenue North, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada J1H 5N4.
Context:
The orphan nuclear receptor DAX-1 is essential for human adrenal cortex development and functions as a transcriptional repressor of multiple genes implicated in steroidogenic pathways.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to investigate the localization of the DAX-1 protein in human fetal adrenal glands and to assess whether this protein can be modulated by the extracellular matrix and hormones.
Results:
DAX-1 is localized mainly in the nucleus in the outer definitive zone and in the cytoplasm in the fetal zone, whereas the number of DAX-1 positive cells decreases from the external to the internal portion of the gland. When cultured on a collagen or a fibronectin matrix, DAX-1 is localized in the nucleus of the definitive cells and exhibits a nucleocytoplasmic distribution in the fetal cells. ACTH stimulation induces nuclear localization of DAX-1 in fetal cells cultured on collagen without modifying nucleocytoplasmic localization on fibronectin. In contrast, angiotensin II induces the protein to be localized only in the cytoplasm in fetal cells cultured on either collagen or fibronectin.
Conclusions:
The localization of DAX-1 is compatible with the known functional properties of DAX-1 regarding the steroidogenic activity of adrenal cells. Moreover, this study suggests that modulation of DAX-1 localization in the fetal adrenal gland by hormones and components of the extracellular matrix may represent a mechanism for controlling the expression of steroidogenic enzymes in the definitive and fetal zones.
Related Concept Videos
Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions
The Extracellular Matrix
In order to maintain tissue organization, many animal cells are surrounded by structural molecules that make up the extracellular matrix (ECM). Together, the molecules in the ECM maintain the structural integrity of tissue as well as the remarkable specific properties of certain tissues.
Composition of the Extracellular Matrix
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is commonly composed of ground substance, a gel-like fluid, fibrous components, and many structurally and functionally diverse...
The Extracellular Matrix
Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
Hormones of the Adrenal Glands
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and corticosterone...
Extracellular Matrix
