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Stem Cells of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis
Olivia Sherwin1,2, Kaitlin J Basham3, Cynthia L Andoniadou1,2
1Centre for Craniofacial & Regenerative Biology, King's College London, Guy's Campus, London, United Kingdom.
Endocrine Reviews
|July 11, 2026
Summary
Endocrine stem cells in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulate tissue function and plasticity. Understanding these stem cell systems offers new avenues for endocrine disorder therapies.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Endocrine tissues dynamically adapt to circadian rhythms, metabolism, and stress.
- Stem cells are crucial for tissue maintenance, repair, and functional plasticity in endocrine organs.
- The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis integrates local stem cell regulation with systemic endocrine control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review stem cell populations within the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, and adrenal gland.
- To highlight shared regulatory principles and tissue-specific adaptations of HPA axis stem cells.
- To explore the role of endocrine stem cells in organ function, plasticity, and disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on stem cells in the HPA axis.
- Analysis of conserved signaling pathways and cell-cell communication mechanisms.
- Integration of data from genetic models, single-cell, and spatial atlases.
Main Results:
- Identified tanycytes (hypothalamus), SOX2+ cells (pituitary), and progenitors (adrenal) as key stem cell populations.
- Demonstrated conserved signaling pathways and paracrine/feedback mechanisms coordinating stem cell behavior.
- Showcased evidence of stem cells influencing endocrine organ function beyond cell replacement.
Conclusions:
- The HPA axis functions as an integrated stem cell system, crucial for endocrine plasticity.
- Endocrine stem cells significantly impact tissue responsiveness and adaptation.
- Disruptions in these stem cell systems contribute to endocrine dysfunction and tumorigenesis, presenting therapeutic targets.
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