Accepted_test

The study focuses on adrenal gland disorders and the use of animal models for preclinical research. The authors question the appropriateness of using mice and rats as models for studying adrenal disorders and evaluating new treatments due to the differences between laboratory animals and humans. A promising model organism, the spiny mouse (Acomys cahirinus), is introduced as having regenerative capabilities and similarities to humans in certain biological aspects relevant to the adrenal gland. The objective of the study is to investigate the structure of the Acomys cahirinus adrenal gland at the single-cell resolution.

The methods involve RNA sequencing of 10 Acomys cahirinus adrenal gland samples using the 10X Genomics Single Cell 5' R2-only protocol. The results highlight the identification of different cell types in the adrenal glands, including immune cells, endothelial cells, neuroglia, and mesenchymal cells, through analysis and integration with mouse markers. A significant difference in cell types composition and gene expression patterns is observed between Acomys cahirinus and Mus musculus (mouse). Notably, the Acomys cells exhibit expression of the Cyp17a1 gene, which is known for its expression in the human adrenal gland but not in mouse cells.

This study establishes Acomys cahirinus as a valuable model for studying adrenal gland diseases and provides insights into the biology of the adrenal gland. By combining morphological and transcriptomic approaches, the research contributes to the development of targeted therapies and improves the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of adrenal gland diseases in humans and other mammalian species.