Dlk1 is a novel adrenocortical stem/progenitor cell marker that predicts malignancy in adrenocortical carcinoma.

ABSTRACT: Disruption of processes involved in tissue development and homeostatic self-renewal is increasingly implicated in cancer initiation, progression, and recurrence. The adrenal cortex is a dynamic tissue that undergoes life-long turnover. Here, using genetic fate mapping and murine adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) models, we have identified a population of adrenocortical stem cells that express delta-like non-canonical Notch ligand 1 (DLK1). These cells are active during development, near dormant postnatally but are re-expressed in ACC. In a study of over 200 human ACC samples, we have shown DLK1 expression is ubiquitous and is an independent prognostic marker of recurrence-free survival. Paradoxically, despite its progenitor role, spatial transcriptomic analysis has identified DLK1 expressing

SUBMITTER: Mariniello K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11370565 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature