Overviews of Stem Cells for Gonadal and Adrenal Steroidogenic Cells

Gonads and adrenal glands are the primary organs for the production of steroid hormones in mammals. Steroid hormones play important roles in development and are essential for the maintenance of homeostasis during adult life. To supply sufficient amounts of hormones, gonads and adrenal glands maintain their functions by replenishment of steroidogenic cells. It has been hypothesized that stem/progenitor cells of steroidogenic cells are important for this phenomenon. In fact, such cells have been recently identified in gonads and adrenal glands. However, steroid hormone production decreases progressively with age, causing problems such as menopausal disorders in women. Although steroid hormones are administered to these patients, induction of steroidogenic cells from stem cells is a potential strategy to prevent menopausal disorders. Here, we review the current knowledge on stem cells that replenish steroid hormone-producing cells in the gonads and adrenal glands. We also discuss induction of steroidogenic cells from stem cells derived from non-steroidogenic organs.