An organoid model of the human adrenal cortex identifies drivers of steroidogenesis and zonation [spatial]

These hormones play a crucial part in maintaining blood pressure, regulating metabolism and sexual development, respectively. The growth factors and transcriptional networks governing adrenal zonation remain poorly understood.

Here, we established organoids derived from primary developing human adrenal cortex tissue. These tissue-resident stem cell-derived organoids display longevity and are composed of mature cells producing different steroid hormones. We use spatial transcriptomics to identify zonated growth factors in tissue, and explore the role of 42 different molecules in controlling cell identity and steroidogenesis using organoids.