ISSN 1662-4009 (online)

ESPE Yearbook of Paediatric Endocrinology (2019) 16 8.3 | DOI: 10.1530/ey.16.8.3

Génétique Reproduction & Développement, CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63001, Clermont-Ferrand, France


To read the full abstract: Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2018; 115(52): E12265–E12274.

The adrenal cortex plays a central role in regulating body homeostasis through the production of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids that control many important physiologic functions, such as metabolism, inflammation and arterial blood pressure. The production of these hormones, known as steroidogenesis, is achieved by differentiated steroidogenic cells that arise from undifferentiated progenitors and are constantly renewed throughout life (10). Epigenetic factors play an essential role in programming and maintaining cell-fate decisions during embryonic development and in adult tissue homeostasis (11).

In this study, the authors investigated the role of histone methyltransferase EZH2, a key epigenetic factor, in adrenocortical development and homeostasis by targeted inactivation of EZH2 in adrenal cortex steroidogenic cells. Their data show that EZH2 ablation is associated with deficient zona fasciculata differentiation, resulting in primary glucocorticoid insufficiency, as well as disruption of the unidirectional renewal and differentiation process. Altogether, these data demonstrate an all-encompassing role of EZH2 in programming steroidogenic cells for optimal response to differentiation signals and in preventing their dedifferentiation to a progenitor-like state.

References: 10. Yates R, et al. Adrenocortical development, maintenance, and disease. Curr Top Dev Biol 2013; 106:239–312.

11. Margueron R, Reinberg D. The Polycomb complex PRC2 and its mark in life. Nature 2011; 469:343–349.

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