The adrenal gland cell type enriched transcriptomeThe adrenal glands are hormone producing organs that sit above the kidneys, and are typically divided into two main sections, the cortex and the medulla. The adrenal cortex produces three main types of hormones: glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens. Cortisol, the primary glucocorticoid, regulates metabolism, stress response, and inflammation. Aldosterone, the main mineralocorticoid, controls blood pressure and electrolyte balance. The adrenal medulla primarily produces catecholamines, such as adrenaline and noradrenaline, which are involved in the body's fight or flight response. 3036 genes were predicted to have cell type specificity in the adrenal gland. Adrenal gland cell type enriched transcriptome: SummaryGenes with predicted cell type specificity within adrenal gland are detailed in Table 1. Identified genes are subdivided into 3 specificity categories, based on the difference between the enrichment score in the corresponding cell type, compared to the other cell types profiled in the tissue (see Methods Summary page for details):
Adrenal gland cell type enriched transcriptome: Illustrative examplesAdrenal cortex cellsThe adrenal cortex forms the outermost and largest section of the adrenal gland, and is divided into three zones. The zona glomerulosa is the outermost zone and is responsible for the production of mineralocorticoids, especially aldosterone, which controls blood pressure and pH levels by regulating the rates of sodium and potassium reabsorption and extraction in the kidneys. The zona fasciculata is the middle zone that produces glucocorticoids, particularly cortisol, which is released due to stress and can regulate metabolism of energy stores. The zona reticularis is the innermost zone, located adjacent to the adrenal medulla. It mostly produces androgens and small amounts of glucocorticoids. Enriched genes in the adrenal cortex cells include cellular communication network factor 3 (CCN3) and Phosphodiesterase 2A (PDE2A). They also include those involved in the steroid synthesis pathway, such as Cytochrome P450 Family 11 Subfamily A Member 1 (CYP11A1) and Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein (STAR), and those involved in the detoxification of reactive oxygen species, such as Nicotinamide Nucleotide Transhydrogenase (NNT) and Aldo-Keto Reductase Family 1 Member B (NNT).
Steroid synthesis proteins
Detoxification proteins
Adrenal medulla cellsThe adrenal medulla is the inner part of the adrenal gland, surrounded by the adrenal cortex. The cells here produce catecholamines, including adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine), which are crucial for the body's "fight-or-flight" response. These hormones help regulate heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolism during stress. The adrenal medulla is closely connected to the sympathetic nervous system, allowing for rapid hormone release in response to stressors. Enriched genes in the cells of the adrenal medulla include Dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) and Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT), enzymes that convert dopamine into noradrenaline, and noradrenaline into adrenaline, respectively. Other enriched genes include the transcription factor Paired Like Homeobox 2A (PHOX2A).
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