Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Establishment of Zone-Enriched Primary Cultures from the Mouse Adrenal Cortex
07:43

Establishment of Zone-Enriched Primary Cultures from the Mouse Adrenal Cortex

Published on: May 8, 2026

WNT-4 mRNA expression in human adrenocortical tumors and cultured adrenal cells

T Kuulasmaa1, J Jääskeläinen, S Suppola

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University and University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.

Hormone and Metabolic Research = Hormon- Und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones Et Metabolisme
|June 17, 2008
PubMed

Insights

WNT-4 gene expression varies in human adrenal tissues and tumors. Its regulation by hormones suggests a role in adrenal function, particularly in Conn

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • Wnt glycoproteins are crucial for embryogenesis and tissue maintenance.
  • WNT-4 gene mutations in mice cause developmental defects, including in adrenal glands.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine WNT-4 gene expression in human adrenal tissues and tumors.
  • To understand the hormonal regulation of WNT-4 in adrenocortical cells.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative real-time RT-PCR was used to analyze WNT-4 mRNA levels.
  • Primary cultures of normal adult adrenocortical cells and NCI-H295R cells were used.
  • Cells were treated with hormones like ACTH, 8-bromo-cAMP, TPA, and Angiotensin II.

Main Results:

  • WNT-4 mRNA was significantly higher in Conn's adenomas and lower in Cushing's adenomas, virilizing carcinomas, and fetal adrenals compared to normal adult adrenals.
  • ACTH and 8-bromo-cAMP upregulated WNT-4 in normal cells.
  • 8-bromo-cAMP and TPA downregulated WNT-4 in NCI-H295R cells.
  • Angiotensin II showed time-dependent effects on WNT-4 expression in both cell types.

Conclusions:

  • WNT-4 gene expression is altered in specific human adrenocortical tumors.
  • Hormonal factors modulate WNT-4 expression in adrenocortical cells.
  • WNT-4 likely plays a role in human adrenal function and tumorigenesis.

More Related Videos

Primary Culture of Rat Adrenocortical Cells and Assays of Steroidogenic Functions04:33

Primary Culture of Rat Adrenocortical Cells and Assays of Steroidogenic Functions

Published on: March 12, 2019

Characterization of Cell Membrane Extensions and Studying Their Roles in Cancer Cell Adhesion Dynamics08:11

Characterization of Cell Membrane Extensions and Studying Their Roles in Cancer Cell Adhesion Dynamics

Published on: March 26, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Canonical Wnt Signaling Pathway02:54

Canonical Wnt Signaling Pathway

The gene encoding the main signaling molecules of the Wnt signaling pathways (the Wnt proteins) was discovered almost four decades ago by Nüsslein-Volhard and Wieschaus. They identified and originally named the gene "wingless" (wg) after a phenotype discovered during their landmark genetic screen in Drosophila for body pattern defects. At around the same time, another researcher named Harold Varmus found that a murine tumor virus activates the mammalian wg homolog, Int-1, which results in tumor...
Hormones of the Adrenal Glands01:31

Hormones of the Adrenal Glands

Adrenal hormones play a pivotal role in maintaining the body's electrolyte balance and orchestrating responses to stress, showcasing the intricate functions of the adrenal cortex and medulla.
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...
Non-Canonical Wnt Signaling Pathways01:41

Non-Canonical Wnt Signaling Pathways

Wnt is a zygotic effect gene that is expressed during very early embryonic development. It regulates various processes in animals starting from early development through the adult stage, such as organogenesis in the embryo and maintenance of neuronal and blood stem cells. Wnt proteins can induce a wide variety of intracellular pathways depending upon the specific abilities of different Wnt ligands to form a complex with shared and cognate receptors in the presence of different co-receptors. The...
Adrenal Gland Disorders01:27

Adrenal Gland Disorders

Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands01:17

Anatomy of the Adrenal Glands

The adrenal or supra-renal glands, situated above the kidneys and aligned with the twelfth rib, are paired pyramid-shaped structures crucial for the body's stress response. During stress, these glands secrete hormones vital for adaptive physiological reactions.
These glands possess a distinctive yellow tinge due to the stored cholesterol and fatty acids required for hormone synthesis. They are encased in a fibrous capsule and cushioned by fat.
The adrenal gland comprises two distinct regions...
Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology01:19

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...