Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 14, 2026

Three-dimensional Alginate-bead Culture of Human Pituitary Adenoma Cells
08:31

Three-dimensional Alginate-bead Culture of Human Pituitary Adenoma Cells

Published on: February 18, 2016

10.5K

Pathogenesis of non-functioning pituitary adenomas

Maria Chiara Zatelli1

  • 1Section of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Ariosto 35, 44100, Ferrara, Italy. ztlmch@unife.it.

Pituitary
|February 7, 2018
PubMed

Insights

The pathogenesis of non functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) involves complex molecular, genetic, and epigenetic factors. This review explores the roles of microRNAs, pituitary stem cells, and paracrine signaling in NFPA development.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology and Molecular Oncology
  • Pituitary Tumor Pathogenesis Research

Background:

  • Non functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) pathogenesis is multifactorial, involving genetic and epigenetic alterations.
  • Key factors include tumor suppressor genes, oncogenes, and cell cycle dysregulation.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and pituitary stem cells are implicated in NFPA initiation and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on the factors contributing to NFPA pathogenesis.
  • To highlight the roles of molecular, genetic, and epigenetic modifications.
  • To discuss the involvement of miRNAs, pituitary stem cells, and paracrine signaling.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current research on NFPA pathogenesis.
  • Analysis of studies investigating molecular and genetic factors.
  • Synthesis of findings on miRNAs, stem cells, and paracrine signaling.

Main Results:

  • NFPA development is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic mutations and epigenetic changes.
  • MicroRNAs and pituitary stem cells play significant roles in tumorigenesis.
  • Paracrine signaling is a critical, yet often overlooked, factor in NFPA pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the multifaceted pathogenesis of NFPA is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
  • Further research into miRNAs, stem cells, and paracrine signaling may reveal new therapeutic strategies.
  • This review consolidates current understanding, emphasizing the complexity of NFPA development.
Keywords:
Non functioning pituitary adenomasPathogenesisSignalling pathway derangements

More Related Videos

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas07:43

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas

Published on: January 17, 2018

19.8K
Two-dimensional Gel Electrophoresis Coupled with Mass Spectrometry Methods for an Analysis of Human Pituitary Adenoma Tissue Proteome12:34

Two-dimensional Gel Electrophoresis Coupled with Mass Spectrometry Methods for an Analysis of Human Pituitary Adenoma Tissue Proteome

Published on: April 2, 2018

14.1K

Related Concept Videos

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis01:37

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

The response to stress—be it physical or psychological, acute or chronic—involves activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is part of the neuroendocrine system because it involves both neuronal and hormonal communication. Its function is to regulate homeostatic systems—metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune—providing the necessary means to respond to a stressor.
66.7K
Hormones of the Pituitary Gland01:27

Hormones of the Pituitary Gland

The small, pea-sized pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. It is crucial in regulating various bodily functions, from growth to reproduction. The gland is divided into the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe. The secretory cell clusters in the pars distalis of the anterior pituitary lobe are controlled by hypothalamic regulators and synthesize six primary hormones.
The most abundantly secreted hormone from the anterior lobe is the growth hormone, which controls overall growth by...
10.6K
The Pituitary Gland01:17

The Pituitary Gland

The pituitary is a small endocrine organ in the sphenoid bone under the hypothalamus. Primarily, the pituitary in adults has two distinct anatomical and functional regions— the anterior and posterior lobes. During human fetal development, a third pituitary gland region called the pars intermedia atrophies and disappears. However, some of its cells migrate and exist adjacent to the anterior pituitary in adults.
11.0K
Pulmonary Hypertension: Classification and Pathogenesis01:30

Pulmonary Hypertension: Classification and Pathogenesis

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a severe health condition in which the mean pulmonary arterial pressure increases to 25 mmHg or more, even when the body is at rest. This high pressure in the blood vessels that transport blood from the heart to the lungs can cause various symptoms, including shortness of breath, can lead to right heart failure, and significantly affect the overall quality of life.
There are various classifications for PH, each relating to different underlying causes and also...
673
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
1.4K
Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis01:23

Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis

Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disorder, significantly affects the function of exocrine glands. This genetically inherited disease is characterized by the production of thick and sticky mucus, which can severely affect various organs and systems in the body.
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation,...
896