Characterization of adrenal miRNA based dysregulations in Cushings Syndrome

Cushings syndrome refers to a spectrum of disorders caused by pathological cortisol secretion due to pituitary tumors autonomously producing ACTH or adrenal tumors autonomously producing cortisol. This study represents the first approach to the characterization of miRNAs role in the progression of CS. miRNA-based sequencing was performed in adrenal tissue of patients with Cushings disease and patients with cortisol producing adenomas and compared to control adrenal samples. Validation QPCR analyses were additionally performed in primary bilateral macronodular hyperplasia and adrenal tissue of patients with ectopic CS. Interestingly, we could show an ACTH independent upregulation of miR12475p in CPA and PBMAH, while miR3795p was upregulated in CD and PBMAH. Thusly, despite hypercortisolism being the common read-out for CS, we could identify specific miRNA signatures in different CS entities suggesting distinct control mechanisms.