SOX2+ sustentacular cells are stem cells of the postnatal adrenal medulla
2024

SOX2+ Cells as Stem Cells in the Adrenal Medulla

Sample size: 10 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Alice Santambrogio, Yasmine Kemkem, Thea L. Willis, Ilona Berger, Maria Eleni Kastriti, Louis Faure, John P. Russell, Emily J. Lodge, Val Yianni, Bence Kövér, Rebecca J. Oakey, Barbara Altieri, Stefan R. Bornstein, Charlotte Steenblock, Igor Adameyko, Cynthia L. Andoniadou

Primary Institution: King’s College London

Hypothesis

Are SOX2+ sustentacular cells stem cells in the postnatal adrenal medulla?

Conclusion

The study identifies SOX2+ sustentacular cells as true stem cells that contribute to the maintenance and turnover of chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla.

Supporting Evidence

  • SOX2+ cells were shown to give rise to both adrenaline and noradrenaline-producing chromaffin cells.
  • Immunofluorescence confirmed the presence of SOX2+ cells in human adrenal medulla.
  • Lineage tracing demonstrated that SOX2+ cells can maintain their population over time.

Takeaway

This study found that certain cells in the adrenal gland, called SOX2+ cells, can act like stem cells and help make new hormone-producing cells throughout life.

Methodology

The study used single-cell RNA sequencing and lineage tracing in mouse models to identify and characterize SOX2+ cells in the adrenal medulla.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on mouse models, which may not fully represent human physiology.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.0008

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1038/s41467-024-55289-5

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