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Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics analysis of human adrenal aging
Norifusa Iwahashi1, Hironobu Umakoshi1, Masamichi Fujita1
1Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
Molecular Metabolism
|May 8, 2024
Summary
Aging alters the human adrenal cortex structure and steroid hormone production. This study reveals signaling pathways and macrophages contribute to adrenal aging, offering insights into related disorders.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Aging Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The human adrenal cortex has three distinct layers producing specific steroid hormones.
- Adrenal aging involves structural and functional changes, disrupting hormone balance.
- Mechanisms of human adrenal aging are poorly understood due to species differences.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanisms underlying functional and structural alterations in the human adrenal cortex during aging.
- To investigate the cellular and molecular changes associated with adrenal aging.
Main Methods:
- Single-cell RNA sequencing of the aged human adrenal cortex.
- Spatial transcriptomics analysis of the aged human adrenal cortex.
Main Results:
- Layer-specific alterations in signaling pathways contribute to abnormal adrenal structure and steroidogenic cell function.
- Macrophages play a role in age-related inflammation and senescence of adrenocortical cells.
Conclusions:
- This is the first single-cell resolution analysis of the aged human adrenal cortex.
- The findings elucidate mechanisms of human adrenal aging and its link to age-related disorders.
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