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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
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Establishment of Zone-Enriched Primary Cultures from the Mouse Adrenal Cortex
Published on: May 8, 2026
ROR1/ROR2 regulate aldosterone production from the zona glomerulosa.
Betul Haykir1,2, Mesut Berber1,2, Kaitlin J Basham3
1Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Endocrinology
|July 14, 2026
Summary
ROR1/2 signaling is crucial for maintaining adrenal function and aldosterone production. This pathway impacts zona glomerulosa cell survival and integrity, suggesting its dysregulation may cause aldosterone disorders.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Adrenal aldosterone production relies on regulated signaling pathways.
- While beta-Catenin (βCat)-dependent Wnt signaling is well-studied in the zona glomerulosa (zG), βCat-independent Wnt signaling's role is unclear.
- Genetic variants in βCat-independent Wnt signaling pathways are linked to aldosterone dysregulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of ROR family proteins (ROR1/2), key co-receptors in βCat-independent Wnt signaling, in adrenal morphogenesis and aldosterone production.
- To determine the necessity of ROR1/2 signaling for zG cell function and maintenance.
Main Methods:
- Utilized zona glomerulosa (zG)-specific ROR1/2 knockout mice.
- Assessed adrenal gland development, zG cell integrity, transdifferentiation, survival, and aldosterone production (Cyp11b2 expression).
Main Results:
- ROR1/2 were not essential for zG formation or size but maintained adherens junction integrity.
- ROR1/2 signaling was important for zG cell transdifferentiation into zona fasciculata cells and for zG cell survival.
- ROR1/2 signaling significantly influenced Cyp11b2 expression and overall aldosterone production.
Conclusions:
- ROR1/2-dependent signaling plays a vital role in regulating zG function and maintaining aldosterone production.
- Dysregulation of ROR1/2 signaling may contribute to conditions like hypoaldosteronism and primary aldosteronism.
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