Genetics of adrenocortical carcinoma: A review

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a aggressive endocrine cancer and rare in nature. It develops in the outer layer (cortex) of the adrenal gland. These glands are located on the top of each kidney, responsible for producing steroid hormones that help regulate blood pressure, salt levels and the body's response to stress. Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) shares both sporadic and familial forms, with genetic mutations playing a key role in its development. Current understanding of genetics of ACC is debated and studies are conducted to understand. Developments in genetic analysis in the form of next-generation sequencing, aided by bioinformatics, have enabled high-throughput molecular characterisation of these tumours. Most of the reports indicates the involvement of P53 gene mutations along with other mutations. Though some reports revealed the involvement of genes related to wnt signalling pathaway, sonic hedgehog pathway and many more for the development of ACC. This review will shed light on the genetic aspect of ACC pathogenesis.