Project A06

Translating strategies for adrenal regeneration and healthy function

This project explores how the adrenal cortex and medulla, two functionally and developmentally distinct regions, interact to regulate adrenal gland development, function, and response to stress. We aim to establish a robust protocol for differentiating human iPSCs into steroid-producing adrenocortical cells, enabling in vitro studies of normal and abnormal adrenal development, disease mutations, and drug testing. Ultimately, these cells may be used for cell replacement therapies in adrenal insufficiency. We will also investigate how cortical and medullary cells influence each other by co-culturing differentiated adrenocortical cells with human medullary stem cells, and study the effects of genetic mutations linked to adrenal tumors. Finally, we will examine how stress affects adrenocortical stem and progenitor cells, providing insights to refine our differentiation protocols and advance adrenal disease treatments.

Aims

(I) Develop a robust and efficient protocol for in vitro differentiation of human iPSCs into steroid-producing cells.

(II) Investigate interactions between cortex and medulla in development, health, and disease

(III) Investigate the effect of stress on adrenocortical stem cells and progenitors

© SFB/TRR 205