Multipotent Schwann Cell Precursors Generate Steroid-Producing Cells of the Adrenal Cortex and Chromaffin Cells of the Adrenal Medulla

Abstract

The adrenal gland is a key regulator during stress, and a high degree of plasticity is critical for sustaining homeostasis. Previously, we have shown that this is achieved in part through adult Nestin(+) progenitors located in both the adrenal cortex and medulla. To obtain a comprehensive characterization of these cells, we performed transcriptomics on isolated Nestin(+) cells from the two adrenal tissues. This analysis revealed that both populations displayed Schwann cell precursor properties suggesting a common neural crest origin, though the two populations showed distinct characteristics. Adrenomedullary Nestin(+) cells showed a commitment to the neural/glial lineage, while adrenocortical Nestin(+) cells showed a predestination to become steroid-producing cells. The data suggest that adult adrenal Schwann cell precursors might fulfill a role of coordinated structural tissue remodeling under stress answering the question why two completely different organs are united under one organ capsule.