Human and mouse adrenal glands are characterized by species-specific steroidogenic states and tissue turnover [scRNA-seq]

The latter included specific perivascular mesenchymal progenitors, and dispersed SF1+/EZH2+ progenitor cells, which implies that human adrenocortical cells may be renewed in a localized manner in addition to the centripetal model. We also engaged in cross-comparison of our adult human adrenals with fetal stages to reveal developmental strategies still operating as a part of self-renewal in adults. Unexpectedly, human SF1+/EZH2+ progenitors turned out to be operating during adrenocortical development and later during adult stages, albeit in different degrees.

At last, we revealed sex-specific differences in human cholesterol metabolism and other features reflecting human and mouse sexual dimorphism in adrenal glands. Overall, our new comparative mouse-human atlases shall provide an additional resource for further molecular interrogations of adrenal gland biology and pathology.