Single‐Cell Atlas Reveals Tumorigenic Profiles and Immune Dynamics of Adrenal Incidentalomas

Abstract Adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) are commonly detected endocrine lesions, identified during imaging for unrelated conditions. These lesions exhibit considerable heterogeneity and diverse clinical outcomes. This study employed single‐cell RNA sequencing to investigate tumorigenic characteristics...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Advanced Science
Main Authors: Meng Wang, Guangmin Zheng, Xiaoyong Hu, Feng Tian, Tuo Li, Zheng Zhang, Kan Gong, Shiwei Chen, Lin Yuan, Yu Qi, Lin Li, Daofu Cheng, Liu Liu, Fuqiang Liu, Yujing Sun, Xiangdong Fang, Ruxing Zhao, Bing Liu, Chao Zhang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2025-06-01
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202413493
Description
Summary:Abstract Adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) are commonly detected endocrine lesions, identified during imaging for unrelated conditions. These lesions exhibit considerable heterogeneity and diverse clinical outcomes. This study employed single‐cell RNA sequencing to investigate tumorigenic characteristics of AIs, including non‐functional adrenocortical adenomas, Conn's syndrome, and pheochromocytomas. Through integrating public datasets, 302 696 cells are analyzed. Three adrenocortical cell subtypes exhibit gene expression patterns linked to tumorigenesis. Clusterin emerges as a potential biomarker for adrenocortical adenomas. Adrenocortical tumor cells show dysregulated hormone secretion and transcription factor steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1) is significantly upregulated, distinguishing cortical from medullary tumors. In pheochromocytomas, a MYCN proto‐oncogene (MYCN)‐positive cluster correlates with poorer survival. Immune microenvironment analysis reveals specific immune subtypes and roles in tumor progression. Specifically, myeloid cells may regulate benign tumors, while lymphoid cells, such as CD8‐positive (CD8+) T cells, appear to promote immune activation and infiltration in malignant tumors. Overall, this study enhances the understanding of adrenal adenoma heterogeneity, revealing crucial transcriptional profiles, immune interactions, and clinically relevant candidate biomarkers.
ISSN:2198-3844