Endogenous CS may be caused by corticotrope adenomas in the pituitary (Cushing’s disease), ectopic corticotropin (ACTH) production by peripheral tumors of neuroendocrine origin (eg, small cell carcinoma), or adrenal adenomas and carcinomas that autonomously overproduce cortisol. The gene discussed is POMC; the disease is adrenal cortex adenoma.