Role of the Mevalonate Pathway in Adrenocortical Tumorigenesis

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) is the rate-limiting enzyme of the mevalonate pathway, which generates cholesterol and non-sterol compounds such as isoprenoid, which are involved in key steps of tumorigenesis such as cell growth and proliferation. Our aim was to evaluate the role of the mevalonate pathway in adrenocortical tumors (ACTs). Expression pattern of HMGCR, FDFT1, LDLR, SCARB1, StAR, TSPO, CYP11A1, CYP11B1, CYP17A1, CYP21A1, and HSD3B1 genes, involved in the mevalonate pathway and steroidogenesis, was quantified by real-time RT-PCR in 46 ACT [14 adenomas (ACA) and 11 carcinomas (ACC) from adults and 13 ACA and 8 ACC from pediatric patients]. Effects of the mevalonate pathway inhibition on NCI-H295A cell viability was assessed by colorimetric assay. HMGCR was overexpressed in most adult ACT. The expression of TSPO, STAR, CYP11B1, CYP21A1, and HSD3B1 in adult ACC was significantly lower than in ACA (p<0.05). Regarding pediatric ACT, the expression of genes involved in steroidogenesis was not different between ACA and ACC. Inhibition of isoprenoid production significantly decreased the viability of NCI-H295A cells (p<0.05). However, cholesterol synthesis blockage did not show the same effect on cell viability. Low expression of TSPO ,: StAR, CYP11B1, CYP21A1, and HSD3B1 characterized a signature of adult ACCs. Our data suggest that HMGCR overexpression in adult ACC might lead to intracellular isoprenoid accumulation and cell proliferation. Therefore, the mevalonate pathway is a potential target for ACC treatment.