Non-canonical Wnt signaling triggered by WNT2B drives adrenal aldosterone production

Abstract

The steroid hormone aldosterone, produced by the zona glomerulosa (zG) of the adrenal gland, is a master regulator of plasma electrolytes and blood pressure. While aldosterone control by the renin-angiotensin system is well understood, other key regulatory factors have remained elusive. Here, we replicated a prior association between a non-coding variant in WNT2B and an increased risk of primary aldosteronism, a prevalent and debilitating disease caused by excessive aldosterone production. We further show that in both mice and humans, WNT2B is expressed in the mesenchymal capsule surrounding the adrenal cortex, in close proximity to the zG. Global loss of Wnt2b in the mouse results in a dysmorphic and hypocellular zG, with impaired aldosterone production. Similarly, humans harboring WNT2B loss-of-function mutations develop a novel form of Familial Hyperreninemic Hypoaldosteronism, designated here as Type 4. Additionally, we demonstrate that WNT2B signals by activating the non-canonical Wnt/planar cell polarity pathway. Our findings identify WNT2B as a key regulator of zG function and aldosterone production with important clinical implications. HighlightsO_LIWNT2B variant is associated with increased risk for primary aldosteronism C_LIO_LIWnt2b knock-out mice show defects in adrenal morphology C_LIO_LIWnt2b knock-out mice have hyperreninemic hypoaldosteronism C_LIO_LIWNT2B activates non-canonical Wnt/planar cell polarity signaling C_LIO_LIWNT2B deficiency causes a new form of familial hyperreninemic hypoaldosteronism C_LI