Loss of Lats1 and Lats2 affects the identity of zG cells in adrenal glands of Lats1^flox/flox;Lats2^flox/flox;AS^cre/+ mice. (A) GSEA analysis of RNA sequencing gene expression of bone and cartilage related gene sets in the adrenal cortex of 4-week-old Lats1^flox/flox;Lats2^flox/flox;AS^cre/+ male mice compared to the adrenal cortex of Lats1^flox/flox;Lats2^flox/flox mice. (B) Masson's trichrome and Alizarin red staining of 4-week-old males of the indicated genotypes. (C) Expression heatmap of genes involved in Sertoli cell differentiation in the adrenal gland of the indicated genotypes. Bold = FC >1.5; P < .05. (D) RT-qPCR analyses of chondrocyte/osteoblast (Grem1, Omd), chondrocyte/osteoblast/Sertoli cell (Bmp4, Sox9), and Sertoli cell (Dhh, Dmrt1) associated genes in the adrenal gland of 4-week-old males of the indicated genotypes. All RT-qPCR data were normalized to the housekeeping gene Rpl19 and are expressed as means (columns) ± SEM (error bars). Asterisks = significantly different from control (*P < .05; **P < .01; ***P < .001. (E) Immunohistochemical analysis of SOX9 expression in adrenal glands from 4-week-old males of the indicated genotypes. Arrow = SOX9+ cells.

Abbreviations: GSEA, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis; zG, zona glomerulosa.