Role of PFKFB3-driven glycolysis in vessel sprouting. Cell. 2013;154:651-663. [PMID: 23911327 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2013.06.037]

Zn-DHM nanozymes regulate metabolic and immune homeostasis for early diabetic wound therapy

Diabetic wounds heal slowly or incompletely because of the microenvironment of hyperglycemia, high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), excessive inflammation, metabolic disorders and immune dysregulation, and the therapeutic effect is limited only by disruption of the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-inflammation cascade cycle. Here, a novel metal-polyphenolic nanozyme (Zn-DHM NPs) synthesized by the coordination of Zn2+ with dihydromyricetin (DHM) was designed, which not only has a superior ability to scavenge ROS and promote cell proliferation and migration but also functions in the regulation of metabolism and immune homeostasis. In vitro and in vivo experiments and RNA sequencing analyses revealed that Zn-DHM NPs could increase the levels of intracellular SOD and CAT enzymes to scavenge ROS and maintain the level of the mitochondrial membrane potential to reduce apoptosis. In terms of glucose metabolism, Zn-DHM NPs downregulated excessive levels of intracellular glucose and HK2, inhibited excessive glycolysis and downregulated the AGE-RAGE pathway to restore cellular function. In terms of immune regulation, Zn-DHM NPs not only downregulate M1/M2 levels to promote tissue repair but also maintain Th17/Treg homeostasis, downregulate the IL-17 signaling pathway to reduce inflammation, and upregulate FOXP3 to maintain immune homeostasis, thereby promoting early wound healing in diabetic mice. The development of Zn-DHM NPs provides a new therapeutic target to promote early healing of diabetic wounds.

Metabolic and Immune Crosstalk in Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis and heart failure, arise from the intricate interplay of metabolic, immune, and neural dysregulation within vascular and cardiac tissues: This review focuses on integrating recent advances in metabolic and immune crosstalk of the cardiac vasculature that affects cardiometabolic health and disease progression. Coronary and lymphatic endothelial cells regulate cardiac metabolism, and their dysfunction is linked to cardiovascular diseases. Lymphatics maintain tissue homeostasis, including clearing metabolic waste, lipids, and immune cells, and their maladaptation in metabolic diseases worsens outcomes. Altered vascular endothelial metabolism in heart failure drives immune-mediated inflammation, fibrosis, and adverse cardiac remodeling. Concurrently, artery tertiary lymphoid organs formed in the adventitia of advanced atherosclerotic arteries, serve as pivotal neuroimmune hubs, coordinating local immunity through T and B cell activation and neurovascular signaling via artery-brain circuits. T cells within plaques and artery tertiary lymphoid organs undergo clonal expansion as a result of peripheral tolerance breakdown, with proinflammatory CD4+ and CD8+ subsets amplifying atherosclerosis, effects further shaped by systemic immune activation. Therapeutic strategies targeting endothelial cell metabolism, lymphatic dysfunction, neuroimmune crosstalk, and T cell plasticity hold promise for integrated cardiovascular disease management.

Angiogenesis, signaling pathways, and animal models

ABSTRACT

The vasculature plays a critical role in homeostasis and health as well as in the development and progression of a wide range of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases (and their complications), chronic inflammatory diseases, ophthalmic diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. As such, the growth of the vasculature mediates normal development and physiology, as well as disease, when pathologically induced vessels are morphologically and functionally altered owing to an imbalance of angiogenesis-stimulating and angiogenesis-inhibiting factors. This review offers an overview of the angiogenic process and discusses recent findings that provide additional interesting nuances to this process, including the roles of intussusception and angiovasculogenesis, which may hold promise for future therapeutic interventions. In addition, we review the methodology, including those of in vitro and in vivo assays, which has helped build the vast amount of knowledge on angiogenesis available today and identify important remaining knowledge gaps that should be bridged through future research.

Vascular endothelial growth factor signaling in health and disease: from molecular mechanisms to therapeutic perspectives

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling is a critical regulator of vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis, processes that are vital for the development of vascular and lymphatic systems, tissue repair, and the maintenance of homeostasis. VEGF ligands and their receptors orchestrate endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and survival, playing a pivotal role in dynamic vascular remodeling. Dysregulated VEGF signaling drives diverse pathological conditions, including tumor angiogenesis, cardiovascular diseases, and ocular disorders. Excessive VEGF activity promotes tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis, while insufficient signaling contributes to impaired wound healing and ischemic diseases. VEGF-targeted therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, have revolutionized the treatment of diseases involving pathological angiogenesis, offering significant clinical benefits in oncology and ophthalmology. These therapies inhibit angiogenesis and slow disease progression, but they often face challenges such as therapeutic resistance, suboptimal efficacy, and adverse effects. To further explore these issues, this review provides a comprehensive overview of VEGF ligands and receptors, elucidating their molecular mechanisms and regulatory networks. It evaluates the latest progress in VEGF-targeted therapies and examines strategies to address current challenges, such as resistance mechanisms. Moreover, the discussion includes emerging therapeutic strategies such as innovative drug delivery systems and combination therapies, highlighting the continuous efforts to improve the effectiveness and safety of VEGF-targeted treatments. This review highlights the translational potential of recent discoveries in VEGF biology for improving patient outcomes.

Hypobaric hypoxia-driven energy metabolism disturbance facilitates vascular endothelial dysfunction

Hypobaric hypoxia in plateau environments inevitably disrupts metabolic homeostasis and contributes to high-altitude diseases. Vascular endothelial cells play a crucial role in maintaining vascular homeostasis. However, it remains unclear whether hypoxia-mediated changes in energy metabolism compromise vascular system stability and function. Through integrated transcriptomic and targeted metabolomic analyses, we identified that hypoxia induces vascular endothelial dysfunction via energy metabolism dysregulation. Specifically, hypoxia drives a metabolic shift toward glycolysis over oxidative phosphorylation in vascular endothelial cells, resulting in excessive lactate production. This lactate overload triggers PKM2 lactylation, which stabilizes PKM2 by inhibiting ubiquitination, forming a feedforward loop that exacerbates mitochondrial collapse and vascular endothelial dysfunction. Importantly, blocking the pyruvate-lactate axis helps maintain the balance between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation, thereby protecting vascular endothelial function under hypoxic conditions. Our findings not only elucidate a novel mechanism underlying hypoxia-induced vascular damage but also highlight the pyruvate-lactate axis as a potential therapeutic target for preventing vascular diseases in both altitude-related and pathological hypoxia.

Propranolol accelerates adipogenesis and inhibits endothelium differentiation of HemSCs via suppressing HK2 mediated glycolysis

BACKGROUND

As the first-line treatment for hemangioma (IH), the mechanism of propranolol (PRN) remains unclear. In clinical practice, challenges such as PRN resistance and rebound after discontinuation of PRN are frequently encountered. Hence, this research seeks to investigate the mechanisms underlying PRN-induced regression of IH.

METHODS

Hexokinase 2 (HK2) expression was assessed via immunohistochemistry and double-labeling staining. Glycolysis in hemangioma-derived stem cells (HemSCs) was evaluated by measuring glucose uptake, lactate, and ATP production. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor Gamma (PPARγ) and vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) levels were analyzed using Western blot and qPCR. PRN-treated HemSCs were examined for adipogenic differentiation via Oil Red O and BODIPY staining.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrate that PRN inhibits HemSCs proliferation and endothelial differentiation while promoting adipogenesis by suppressing glycolysis. This effect occurs through HK2 downregulation, likely mediated by PI3K-Akt pathway inhibition. Notably, HK2 expression was significantly lower in CD133+ cells from involutive hemangiomas versus proliferative lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

This study presents the first evidence for the essential role of glycolysis in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of HemSCs, while the efficiency of PRN may be associated with the inhibition of HK2-mediated glycolysis in HemSCs by suppressing the activities of PI3K-Akt pathway.

IMPACT

Glycolysis level is high in HemSCs. Glycolysis is required in propranolol perturbated the HemSCs differentiation. PRN could inhibit glycolysis of HemSCs through down-regulation of HK2 expression. PRN suppressed endothelial differentiation and accelerated adipogenesis of HemSCs. PRN down-regulated HK2 expression through restrained the PI3k-Akt pathway. Schematic of treatment mechanism of PRN in IH. HK2 is highly expressed in HemSCs. PRN may be associated with the inhibition of HK2-mediated glycolysis in HemSCs by suppressing the activities of PI3K-Akt pathway which finally promotes regression of IH.

Mitochondrial transfer in endothelial cells and vascular health

Mitochondria play a vital role in cellular energy metabolism and vascular health, with their function directly influencing endothelial cell (EC) bioenergetics and integrity. Mitochondrial transfer has emerged as a key mechanism of intercellular communication, impacting angiogenesis, tissue repair, and cellular homeostasis. This review highlights recent findings on mitochondrial transfer, including natural mechanisms - such as tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) - and artificial approaches like mitochondrial transplantation. These processes enhance EC function and support vascularization under pathological conditions, including ischemia. While early clinical trials demonstrate therapeutic potential, challenges such as mitochondrial instability and scaling host-derived mitochondria persist. Continued research is essential to optimize mitochondrial transfer and advance its application as a therapeutic strategy for restoring vascular health.

Role of Exosomes in Cardiovascular Disease: A Key Regulator of Intercellular Communication in Cardiomyocytes

In the cardiovascular system, different types of cardiovascular cells can secrete specific exosomes and participate in the maintenance of cardiovascular function and the occurrence and development of diseases. Exosomes carry biologically active substances such as proteins and nucleic acids from cells of origin and can be used as biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis assessment. In addition, exosome-mediated intercellular communication plays a key role in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases and has become a potential therapeutic target. This article emphasizes the importance of understanding the mechanism of exosomes in cardiovascular diseases and systematically details the current understanding of exosomes as regulators of intercellular communication in cardiomyocytes, providing a basis for future research and therapeutic intervention.

Endothelial cell metabolism in cardiovascular physiology and disease

Endothelial cells are multifunctional cells that form the inner layer of blood vessels and have a crucial role in vasoreactivity, angiogenesis, immunomodulation, nutrient uptake and coagulation. Endothelial cells have unique metabolism and are metabolically heterogeneous. The microenvironment and metabolism of endothelial cells contribute to endothelial cell heterogeneity and metabolic specialization. Endothelial cell dysfunction is an early event in the development of several cardiovascular diseases and has been shown, at least to some extent, to be driven by metabolic changes preceding the manifestation of clinical symptoms. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity and chronic kidney disease are all risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Changes in endothelial cell metabolism induced by these cardiometabolic stressors accelerate the accumulation of dysfunctional endothelial cells in tissues and the development of cardiovascular disease. In this Review, we discuss the diversity of metabolic programmes that control endothelial cell function in the cardiovascular system and how these metabolic programmes are perturbed in different cardiovascular diseases in a disease-specific manner. Finally, we discuss the potential and challenges of targeting endothelial cell metabolism for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

What do You Need to Know after Diabetes and before Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness among individuals with diabetes mellitus. Current clinical diagnostic criteria mainly base on visible vascular structure changes, which are insufficient to identify diabetic patients without clinical DR (NDR) but with dysfunctional retinopathy. This review focuses on retinal endothelial cells (RECs), the first cells to sense and respond to elevated blood glucose. As blood glucose rises, RECs undergo compensatory and transitional phases, and the correspondingly altered molecules are likely to become biomarkers and targets for early prediction and treatment of NDR with dysfunctional retinopathy. This article elaborated the possible pathophysiological processes focusing on RECs and summarized recently published and reliable biomarkers for early screening and emerging intervention strategies for NDR patients with dysfunctional retinopathy. Additionally, references for clinical medication selection and lifestyle recommendations for this population are provided. This review aims to deepen the understanding of REC biology and NDR pathophysiology, emphasizes the importance of early detection and intervention, and points out future directions to improve the diagnosis and treatment of NDR with dysfunctional retinopathy and to reduce the occurrence of DR.

Application of Metabolic Biomarkers in Breast Cancer: A Literature Review

Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Novel biomarkers for early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis in breast cancer are needed and extensively studied. Metabolites, which are small molecules produced during metabolic processes, provide links between genetics, environment, and phenotype, making them useful biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and disease classification. With recent advancements in metabolomics techniques, metabolomics research has expanded, which has led to significant progress in biomarker research. In breast cancer, alterations in metabolic pathways result in distinct metabolomic profiles that can be harnessed for biomarker discovery. Studies using mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy have helped identify significant changes in metabolites, such as amino acids, lipids, and organic acids, in the tissues, blood, and urine of patients with breast cancer, highlighting their potential as biomarkers. Integrative analysis of these metabolite biomarkers with existing clinical parameters is expected to improve the accuracy of breast cancer diagnosis and to be helpful in predicting prognosis and treatment responses. However, to apply these findings in clinical practice, larger cohorts for validation and standardized analytical methods for QC are necessary. In this review, we provide information on the current state of metabolite biomarker research in breast cancer, highlighting key findings and their clinical implications.

Astragali Radix-Curcumae Rhizoma normalizes tumor blood vessels by HIF-1α to anti-tumor metastasis in colon cancer

BACKGROUND

Abnormal tumor blood vessels can significantly promote the malignant progression of tumors, prompting researchers to focus on drugs that normalize these vessels for clinical treatment. The combination of the Qi-tonifying drug Astragali Radix and the blood-activating drug Curcumae Rhizoma, referred to as AC, exhibited significant anti-tumor metastasis effects. However, the association between the anti-tumor metastasis effect of AC and its potential role in regulating tumor vascular remodeling warrants further exploration.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism through which AC induces tumor blood vessel normalization in colon cancer (CC).

METHODS

The potential active components of AC were identified through UPLC-MS/MS. An orthotopic transplantation model of CC was established in BALB/c mice using the CT26-Lucifer cell line, and the effects of AC were evaluated using IVIS imaging, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and immunohistochemistry. Network pharmacology and molecular biology analyses were employed to identify the potential direct targets of AC. Subsequently, RT-PCR and Western blotting techniques were utilized to validate the findings obtained from network pharmacology. Furthermore, ELISA and other methodologies were used to investigate glycolysis-related indicators, along with immunofluorescence technology to demonstrate changes in vascular leakage and perfusion characteristics associated with blood vessel normalization.

RESULTS

We identified HIF-1α as a potential direct target of AC. This interaction influences the glycolytic processes in both tumor cells and tumor-associated endothelial cells (TECs) by directly binding to HIF-1α and modulating its nuclear translocation, thereby determining the integrity of TEC junctions. Mechanistically, AC directly regulates the key enzyme PFKFB3 in glycolysis by modulating HIF-1α expression and inhibiting its nuclear translocation. This action reduces tumor glycolytic flux, decreases the internalization of VE-cad, and influences the expression of downstream matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), thereby strengthening the adherens and tight junctions between TECs and restoring vascular integrity.

CONCLUSION

This study presents novel findings that AC can regulate glycolysis through the inhibition of HIF-1α nuclear translocation, thereby promoting the normalization of tumor blood vessels and effectively inhibiting tumor metastasis. These results suggested that AC may serve as an effective therapeutic agent for normalizing tumor blood vessels.

Reconstituted High-Density Lipoproteins Rescue Diabetes-Impaired Endothelial Cell Metabolic Reprograming and Angiogenic Responses to Hypoxia

BACKGROUND

Impaired angiogenic responses to ischemia underlie diabetic vascular complications. Reconstituted high-density lipoproteins (rHDLs) have proangiogenic effects in diabetes. The PDK4 (pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4)/PDC (pyruvate dehydrogenase complex) axis is an oxygen-conserving mechanism that preserves endothelial cell function in hypoxia. We aimed to determine the role of the PDK4/PDC axis in angiogenesis, the effect of diabetes on its regulation in response to ischemia, and the proangiogenic properties of rHDL.

METHODS

Expression of PDK4 and phosphorylated PDC (pPDC) were measured in PBS- or rHDL-treated wounds of nondiabetic and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice and PBS- or rHDL-treated endothelial cells exposed to glucose and hypoxia. The importance of PDK4 in the action of rHDL was determined by siRNA knockdown in vitro and PDK4 inhibitor in vivo. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was performed to identify the mechanism for PDK4 induction by rHDL.

RESULTS

PDK4 and pPDC were elevated early (24 hours) post-induction of wound ischemia in nondiabetic wounds, which did not occur in diabetic mice. Topical rHDL rescued this impairment, enhancing PDK4 (68%; P=0.0041) and pPDC (165%; P=0.029) in diabetic wounds. Wound neovascularization (62%; P<0.05) and closure (154%; P<0.001) were increased in diabetic rHDL-treated wounds. In vitro, PDK4 and pPDC levels were increased with hypoxia (65%, P=0.043 and 64%, P=0.026, respectively). High glucose did not elicit a further stepwise induction in PDK4/pPDC, with aberrant increases in mitochondrial respiration (19%; P=0.026), and impaired angiogenic functions. Importantly, rHDL increased PDK4 and pPDC 2-fold, returning mitochondrial respiration and angiogenic functions to normal glucose levels. PDK4 inhibition ameliorated the proangiogenic effects of rHDL. rHDL increased FOXO1 (forkhead box O1) binding to the PDK4 promoter and suppressed FOXO1 phosphorylation, presenting FOXO1 as a mechanism for rHDL-mediated induction of PDK4.

CONCLUSIONS

The PDK4/PDC axis response to ischemia is impaired in diabetes and is important for the proangiogenic effects of rHDL.

Comprehensive multi-omics and pharmacokinetics reveal sclareol's role in inhibiting ocular neovascularization

BACKGROUND

Ocular neovascularization, a hallmark of several vision-threatening diseases, including retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD), is commonly treated with intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF agents. However, these treatments are limited by invasiveness and drug resistance, highlighting the need for alternative therapies. Sclareol (SCL), a labdane diterpenoid derived from Salvia sclarea, exhibits various biological activities, but its potential role in angiogenesis and pharmacokinetics after oral administration remain unexplored.

METHODS

Hypoxia-induced endothelial cells (ECs) were used as an in vitro model, while mouse oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) were used as in vivo models. The pharmacokinetics of SCL in plasma, retina, and choroid were analyzed after oral administration in mice. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms were elucidated through an integrative approach combining transcriptomics, metabolomics, network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation.

RESULTS

SCL inhibited hypoxia-induced EC proliferation, permeability, migration, tube formation, sprouting, glycolysis, mitochondrial respiration, and oxidative stress by modulating the PI3K-AKT-FOXO1 pathway. Additionally, Oral administration of SCL significantly inhibited OIR and CNV progression in mice, demonstrating enhanced therapeutic efficacy when combined with intravitreal aflibercept (Eylea) injection.

CONCLUSION

SCL is a promising orally administered natural compound for ocular neovascularization, offering a potential alternative or adjunctive therapy to existing anti-VEGF treatments.

Decoding tumor angiogenesis: pathways, mechanisms, and future directions in anti-cancer strategies

Angiogenesis, a crucial process in tumor growth and metastasis, necessitates targeted therapeutic intervention. This review reviews the latest knowledge of anti-angiogenesis targets in tumors, with emphasis on the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that regulate this process. We emphasize the tumor microenvironment's role in angiogenesis, examine endothelial cell metabolic changes, and evaluated potential therapeutic strategies targeting the tumor vascular system. At the same time, we analyzed the signaling pathway and molecular mechanism of tumor angiogenesis in detail. In addition, this paper also looks at the development trend of tumor anti-angiogenesis drugs, including their future development direction and challenges, aiming to provide prospective insight into the development of this field. Despite their potential, anti-angiogenic therapies encounter challenges like drug resistance and side effects, necessitating ongoing research to enhance cancer treatment strategies and the efficacy of these therapies.

Protein O-GlcNAcylation and hexokinase mitochondrial dissociation drive heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, but its pathophysiology remains unclear. Here, we report a mouse model of HFpEF and show that hexokinase (HK)-1 mitochondrial binding in endothelial cells (ECs) is critical for protein O-GlcNAcylation and the development of HFpEF. We demonstrate increased mitochondrial dislocation of HK1 within ECs in HFpEF mice. Mice with deletion of the mitochondrial-binding domain of HK1 spontaneously develop HFpEF and display impaired angiogenesis. Spatial proximity of dislocated HK1 and O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT) causes increased OGT activity, shifting the balance of the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway intermediates into the O-GlcNAcylation machinery. EC-specific overexpression of O-GlcNAcase and an OGT inhibitor reverse angiogenic defects and the HFpEF phenotype, highlighting the importance of protein O-GlcNAcylation in the development of HFpEF. Our study demonstrates a new mechanism for HFpEF through HK1 cellular localization and resultant protein O-GlcNAcylation, and provides a potential therapy for HFpEF.

Acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 alleviates brain injury following cardiac arrest by promoting autophagy in brain microvascular endothelial cells

INTRODUCTION

Brain injury is a common sequela following cardiac arrest (CA), with up to 70% of hospitalized patients dying from it. Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVECs) play a crucial role in post-cardiac arrest brain injury (PCABI). However, the effects and mechanisms of targeting BMVEC energy metabolism to mitigate brain injury remain unclear.

METHODS

We established a mouse model of cardiac arrest by injecting potassium chloride into the right internal jugular vein. Mass spectrometry detected targeted changes in short-chain fatty acids and energy metabolism metabolites in the CA/CPR group compared to the sham group. Mice with overexpressed ACSS2 in BMVECs were created using an AAV-BR1 vector, and ACSS2 knockout mice were generated using the CRE-LOXP system. The oxygen glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation (OGD/R) model was established to investigate the role and mechanisms of ACSS2 in endothelial cells in vitro.

RESULTS

Metabolomics analysis revealed disrupted cerebral energy metabolism post-CA/CPR, with decreased acetyl-CoA and amino acids. Overexpression of ACSS2 in BMVECs increased acetyl-CoA levels and improved neurological function. Vascular endothelial cell-specific ACSS2 knockout mice exhibited reduced aortic sprouting in vitro. Overexpression of ACSS2 improved endothelial dysfunction following oxygen glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation (OGD/R) and influenced autophagy by interacting with transcription factor EB (TFEB) and modulating the AMP-activated protein kinase α (AMPKα) pathway.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that ACSS2 modulates the biological functions of BMVECs by promoting autophagy. Enhancing energy metabolism via ACSS2 may target PCABI treatment development.

Distinct metabolome and flux responses in the retinal pigment epithelium to cytokines associated with age-related macular degeneration: comparison of ARPE-19 cells and eyecups

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is associated with chronic inflammation of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and elevated cytokines including TNFα, TGF-β, IL-6, and IL-1β. As a metabolic intermediary supporting aerobic glycolysis in the adjacent photoreceptors, the RPE's metabolic responses to inflammation and the optimal methods to study cytokine-driven metabolic programming remain unclear. We performed a rigorous comparison of ARPE-19 cells and rat eyecup metabolomes, revealing key distinctions. Rat eyecups exhibit higher levels of lactate and palmitate but depleted glutathione and high-energy nucleotides. Conversely, ARPE-19 cells are enriched with high-energy currency metabolites and the membrane phospholipid precursors phosphocholine and inositol. Both models showed contrasting responses to individual cytokines: ARPE-19 cells were more sensitive to TNFα, while eyecups responded more strongly to TGF-β2. Notably, a combined cytokine cocktail elicited stronger metabolic effects on ARPE-19 cells, more potently impacting both metabolite abundance (41 vs. 29) and glucose carbon flux (29 vs. 5), and influencing key RPE metabolites such as alanine, glycine, aspartate, proline, citrate, α-ketoglutarate, and palmitate. Overall, these findings position ARPE-19 cells as a more responsive platform for studying inflammatory cytokine effects on RPE metabolism and reveal critical RPE metabolites which may be linked with AMD pathogenesis.

Understanding metabolic remodeling in shock through metabolomics lenses

The management of shock in critical care must transition from a predominantly hemodynamic approach to one that comprehensively addresses the biological intricacies of this complex multisystemic syndrome. A thorough understanding of the metabolic mechanisms involved in shock is pivotal for precise patient phenotyping and accurate risk stratification. Metabolomics, an emerging "-omics" approach, offers a powerful tool for unraveling the molecular underpinnings of shock. By analyzing the metabolic pathways within the cardiovascular system, metabolomics can elucidate the diverse mechanisms leading to circulatory insufficiency. This approach holds significant promise for identifying clinically actionable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, which can enhance individualized patient management and potentially prevent the progression to multi-organ failure. Improved insight into the metabolic alterations in shock may pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies and more targeted treatments, ultimately improving patient outcomes in critical care settings. This work provides a comprehensive overview of metabolomic investigations in shock, focusing on septic shock and the main metabolic pathways involved in cardiac and vascular dysfunction.

The role of protein lactylation: A kaleidoscopic post-translational modification in cancer

The recently discovered lysine lactylation represents a critical post-translational modification with widespread implications in epigenetics and cancer biology. Initially identified on histones, lysine lactylation has been also described on non-histone proteins, playing a pivotal role in transcriptional activation, protein function, and cellular processes. Two major sources of the lactyl moiety have been currently distinguished: L-lactyl-CoA (precursor of the L-lactyl moiety) and S-D-lactylglutathione (precursor of the D-lactyl moiety), which enable enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms of lysine lactylation, respectively. Although the specific writers, erasers, and readers of this modification are still unclear, acetyltransferases and deacetylases have been proposed as crucial mediators of lysine lactylation. Remarkably, lactylation exerts significant influence on critical cancer-related pathways, thereby shaping cellular behavior during malignant transformation and the metastatic cascade. Hence, as recent insights into lysine lactylation underscore its growing potential in tumor biology, targeting this modification is emerging as a significant opportunity for cancer treatment.

Lipid dysregulation in triple negative breast cancer: Insights from mass spectrometry-based approaches

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) has the worst prognosis among breast cancers due to its aggressive nature and the absence of targeted treatments. Development of novel anti-cancer drugs for TNBC faces challenges stemming from its heterogeneity and high potential for metastasis. Metabolomics can be a useful technology in finding novel therapeutic targets and probing the heterogeneity of TNBC. Metabolomics has been enabled by advancements in mass spectrometry (MS)-based platforms that facilitated comprehensive profiling of TNBC metabolism. This review provides an overview of metabolomic changes in TNBC with emphasis on lipid alterations, and describes the key MS analytical techniques, providing the necessary background for examining the role of lipids in TNBC development.

Metabolic reprogramming and interventions in angiogenesis

BACKGROUND

Endothelial cell (EC) metabolism plays a crucial role in the process of angiogenesis. Intrinsic metabolic events such as glycolysis, fatty acid oxidation, and glutamine metabolism, support secure vascular migration and proliferation, energy and biomass production, as well as redox homeostasis maintenance during vessel formation. Nevertheless, perturbation of EC metabolism instigates vascular dysregulation-associated diseases, especially cancer.

AIM OF REVIEW

In this review, we aim to discuss the metabolic regulation of angiogenesis by EC metabolites and metabolic enzymes, as well as prospect the possible therapeutic opportunities and strategies targeting EC metabolism.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

In this work, we discuss various aspects of EC metabolism considering normal and diseased vasculature. Of relevance, we highlight that the implications of EC metabolism-targeted intervention (chiefly by metabolic enzymes or metabolites) could be harnessed in orchestrating a spectrum of pathological angiogenesis-associated diseases.

The emerging role of protein L-lactylation in metabolic regulation and cell signalling

L-Lactate has emerged as a crucial metabolic intermediate, moving beyond its traditional view as a mere waste product. The recent discovery of L-lactate-driven protein lactylation as a post-translational modification has unveiled a pathway that highlights the role of lactate in cellular signalling. In this Perspective, we explore the enzymatic and metabolic mechanisms underlying protein lactylation and its impacts on both histone and non-histone proteins in the contexts of physiology and diseases. We discuss growing evidence suggesting that this modification regulates a wide range of cellular functions and is involved in various physiological and pathological processes, such as cell-fate determination, development, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and autoimmune disorders. We propose that protein lactylation acts as a pivotal mechanism, integrating metabolic and signalling pathways to enable cellular adaptation, and highlight its potential as a therapeutic target in various diseases.

Apatinib regulates the glycolysis of vascular endothelial cells through PI3K/AKT/PFKFB3 pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent and aggressive malignancy in the Chinese population; the severe vascularization by the tumor makes it difficult to cure. The high incidence and poor survival rates of this disease indicate the search for new therapeutic alternatives. Apatinib became a drug of choice because it inhibits tyrosine kinase activity, mainly through an effect on vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, thereby preventing tumor angiogenesis. This mechanism of action makes apatinib effective in the treatment of HCC.

AIM

To investigate the effect of apatinib on the glycolysis of vascular endothelial cells (VECs).

METHODS

This present study has investigated the effects of HCC cells on VECs, paying particular attention to changes in the glycolytic activity of VECs. The co-culture system established in the present study examined key cellular functions such as extracellular acidification rate and oxygen consumption rate. It also discusses participation of apatinib in the above processes. Core to the findings is the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) signaling pathway, emphasizing the function of phosphorylated AKT and its interaction with PFKFB3, an essential regulator of glycolysis. In the investigation, molecular mechanisms by which such a pathway could influence the above VECs functions of proliferation, migration, and tube formation were underlined through coimmunoprecipitation analysis. Besides, supplementary in vivo experiments on nude mice provided additional biological relevance to the obtained results.

RESULTS

The glycolytic metabolism in VECs co-cultured with HCC cells is highly active, and the increased glycolysis in these endothelial cells accelerates the malignant transformation of HCC cells. Apatinib has been shown to inhibit this glycolytic activity in the VECs. It also hinders the development, multiplication, and movement of these cells while encouraging their programmed cell death. Moreover, biological analysis revealed that apatinib mainly influences VECs by regulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Subsequent research indicated that apatinib blocks the PI3K/AKT/PFKEB3 pathway, which in turn reduces glycolysis in these cells.

CONCLUSION

Apatinib influences the glycolytic pathway in the VECs of HCC a through the PI3K/AKT/PFKFB3 signaling pathway.

The Role of Endothelial Cell Glycolysis in Schwann Cells and Peripheral Nerve Injury Repair: A Novel and Important Research Area

Endothelial cell glycolysis plays a novel and significant role in Schwann cells and peripheral nerve injury repair, which represents an emerging and important area of research. Glycolysis in endothelial cells is a conserved and tightly regulated biological process that provides essential energy (ATP) and intermediates by ultimately converting glucose into lactate. This metabolic pathway is crucial for maintaining the normal function of endothelial cells. During peripheral nerve injury repair, endothelial cell glycolysis influences the function of Schwann cells and the efficiency of nerve regeneration. Beyond glycolysis, endothelial cells also secrete various factors, including growth factors and extracellular vesicles, which further modulate Schwann cell activity and contribute to the repair process. This review will summarize the role of endothelial cell glycolysis in Schwann cell function and peripheral nerve injury repair, aiming to provide new insights for the development of novel strategies for peripheral nerve injury treatment.

Unraveling the metabolic‒epigenetic nexus: a new frontier in cardiovascular disease treatment

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading causes of death worldwide. However, there are still shortcomings in the currently employed treatment methods for these diseases. Therefore, exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying cardiovascular diseases is an important avenue for developing new treatment strategies. Previous studies have confirmed that metabolic and epigenetic alterations are often involved in cardiovascular diseases across patients. Moreover, metabolic and epigenetic factors interact with each other and affect the progression of cardiovascular diseases in a coordinated manner. Lactylation is a novel posttranslational modification (PTM) that links metabolism with epigenetics and affects disease progression. Therefore, analyzing the crosstalk between cellular metabolic and epigenetic factors in cardiovascular diseases is expected to provide insights for the development of new treatment strategies. The purpose of this review is to describe the relationship between metabolic and epigenetic factors in heart development and cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, myocardial infarction, and atherosclerosis, with a focus on acylation and methylation, and to propose potential therapeutic measures.

Targeting Diabetic Atherosclerosis: The Role of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists, SGLT2 Inhibitors, and Nonsteroidal Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists in Vascular Protection and Disease Modulation

Atherosclerosis is a closely related complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), driven by endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress. The progression of atherosclerosis is accelerated by hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia. Novel antidiabetic agents, SGLT2 inhibitors, and GLP-1 agonists improve glycemic control and offer cardiovascular protection, reducing the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and heart failure hospitalization. These agents, along with nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (nsMRAs), promise to mitigate metabolic disorders and their impact on endothelial function, oxidative stress, and inflammation. This review explores the potential molecular mechanisms through which these drugs may prevent the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD), supported by a summary of preclinical and clinical evidence.

Machine learning reveals glycolytic key gene in gastric cancer prognosis

Glycolysis is recognized as a central metabolic pathway in the neoplastic evolution of gastric cancer, exerting profound effects on the tumor microenvironment and the neoplastic growth trajectory. However, the identification of key glycolytic genes that significantly affect gastric cancer prognosis remains underexplored. In this work, five machine-learning algorithms were used to elucidate the intimate association between the glycolysis-associated gene phosphofructokinase fructose-bisphosphate 3 (PFKFB3) and the prognosis of gastric cancer patients. Validation across multiple independent datasets confirmed the prognostic significance of PFKFB3. Further, we delved into the functional implications of PFKFB3 in modulating immune responses and biological processes within gastric cancer patients, as well as its broader relevance across multiple cancer types. Results underscore the potential of PFKFB3 as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in gastric cancer. Our project can be found at https://github.com/PiPiNam/ML-GCP .

Endothelial-pericyte interactions regulate angiogenesis via VEGFR2 signaling during retinal development and disease

Pericytes stabilize the microvasculature by enhancing endothelial barrier integrity, resulting in functional networks. During retinal development, pericyte recruitment is crucial for stabilizing nascent angiogenic vasculature. However, in adulthood, disrupted endothelial-pericyte interactions lead to vascular dropout and pathological angiogenesis in ocular microvascular diseases, and strategies to stabilize the retinal vasculature are lacking. We demonstrate that direct endothelial-pericyte contact downregulates pVEGFR2 in endothelial cells, which enhances pericyte migration and promotes endothelial cell barrier function. Intravitreal injection of a VEGFR2 inhibitor in mouse models of the developing retina and oxygen-induced retinopathy increased pericyte recruitment and aided vascular stability. The VEGFR2 inhibitor further rescued ischemic retinopathy by enhancing vascularization and tissue growth while reducing vascular permeability. Our findings offer a druggable target to support the growth of functional and mature microvasculature in ocular microvascular diseases and tissue regeneration overall.

Glycometabolic Regulation of Angiogenesis: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies

Angiogenesis, the process by which new blood vessels emerge from pre-existing vasculature, forms the fundamental biological basis for therapeutic angiogenesis. In recent years, this field has garnered significant attention, particularly in the context of understanding the mechanisms of angiogenesis through the lens of glycometabolism. The potential clinical applications of this research have been widely acknowledged within the medical community. In this article, the role of angiogenesis and the principal molecular mechanisms that govern it are first delineated. The influence of glycometabolism on angiogenesis is then explored, with a focus on glycolysis. Finally, research on therapeutic angiogenesis based on the regulation of glycometabolism is presented, offering novel perspectives for ongoing research and clinical applications.

Akt3 links mitochondrial function to the regulation of Aurora B and mitotic fidelity

Akt3 is a key regulator of mitochondrial homeostasis in the endothelium. Akt3 depletion results in mitochondrial dysfunction, decreased mitochondrial biogenesis, and decreased angiogenesis. Here we link mitochondrial homeostasis with mitotic fidelity-depletion of Akt3 results in the missegregation of chromosomes as visualized by multinucleation and micronuclei formation. We have connected Akt3 to Aurora B, a significant player in chromosome segregation. Akt3 localizes to the nucleus, where it associates with and regulates WDR12. During mitosis, WDR12 is localized to the dividing chromosomes, and its depletion results in a similar mitotic phenotype to Akt3 depletion. WDR12 associates with Aurora B, both of which are downregulated under conditions of Akt3 depletion. We used the model oxidant paraquat to induce mitochondrial dysfunction to test whether the Akt3-dependent effect on mitochondrial homeostasis is linked to mitotic function. Paraquat treatment also causes chromosome missegregation by inhibiting the expression of Akt3, WDR12, and Aurora B. The inhibition of ROS rescued both the mitotic fidelity and the expression of Akt3 and Aurora B. Akt3 directly phosphorylates the major nuclear export protein CRM-1, causing an increase in its expression, resulting in the inhibition of PGC-1 nuclear localization, the master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis. The Akt3/Aurora B pathway is also dependent on CRM-1. CRM-1 overexpression resulted in chromosome missegregation and downregulation of Aurora B similar to that of Akt3 depletion. Akt3 null hearts at midgestation (E14.5), a stage in which proliferation is occurring, have decreased Aurora B expression, increased CRM-1 expression, decreased proliferation, and increased apoptosis. Akt3 null hearts are smaller and have a thinner compact cell layer than age-matched wild-type mice. Akt3 null tissue has dysmorphic nuclear structures, suggesting mitotic catastrophe. Our findings show that mitochondrial dysfunction induced by paraquat or Akt3 depletion results in a CRM-1-dependent disruption of Aurora B and mitotic fidelity.

Metabolomic Analysis of HUVEC After Thermal Denaturation UHPLC-MS/MS-Based Metabolomics

Preserving denatured dermis has been shown to promote wound healing and improve skin appearance and function. Angiogenesis is crucial for the healing of burn wounds. However, the metabolic mechanisms underlying angiogenesis during burn recovery remain unclear. In this study, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed 6 distinct metabolites in a heat-denatured cell model. A bioinformatics approach was used to predict the differentially expressed metabolites and 4 metabolic pathways closely related to trauma repair were identified. These pathways might play a significant role in the regression of thermally injured endothelial cells. We also found that increasing D-mannose level promoted the angiogenic activity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in the heat-denatured cell model, enhancing cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation. In summary, these findings revealed changes in metabolites and metabolic pathways in thermally injured endothelial cells and demonstrated that D-mannose could promote angiogenesis during the recovery of thermally injured endothelial cells.

Glutamine synthetase accelerates re-endothelialization of vascular grafts by mitigating endothelial cell dysfunction in a rat model

Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction within the aorta has long been recognized as a prominent contributor to the progression of atherosclerosis and the subsequent failure of vascular graft transplantation. However, the direct relationship between EC dysfunction and vascular remodeling remains to be investigated. In this study, we sought to address this knowledge gap by employing a strategy involving the release of glutamine synthetase (GS), which effectively activated endothelial metabolism and mitigates EC dysfunction. To achieve this, we developed GS-loaded small-diameter vascular grafts (GSVG) through the electrospinning technique, utilizing dual-component solutions consisting of photo-crosslinkable hyaluronic acid and polycaprolactone. Through an in vitro model of oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), we provided compelling evidence that the GSVG promoted the restoration of motility, angiogenic sprouting, and proliferation in dysfunctional HUVECs by enhancing cellular metabolism. Furthermore, the sequencing results indicated that these effects were mediated by miR-122-5p-related signaling pathways. Remarkably, the GSVG also exhibited regulatory capabilities in shifting vascular smooth muscle cells towards a contractile phenotype, mitigating inflammatory responses and thereby preventing vascular calcification. Finally, our data demonstrated that GS incorporation significantly enhanced re-endothelialization of vascular grafts in a ferric chloride-injured rat model. Collectively, our results offer insights into the promotion of re-endothelialization in vascular grafts by restoring dysfunctional ECs through the augmentation of cellular metabolism.

Charting the Molecular Terrain of Exercise: Energetics, Exerkines, and the Future of Multiomic Mapping

Physical activity plays a fundamental role in human health and disease. Exercise has been shown to improve a wide variety of disease states, and the scientific community is committed to understanding the precise molecular mechanisms that underlie the exquisite benefits. This review provides an overview of molecular responses to acute exercise and chronic training, particularly energy mobilization and generation, structural adaptation, inflammation, and immune regulation. Furthermore, it offers a detailed discussion of known molecular signals and systemic regulators activated during various forms of exercise and their role in orchestrating health benefits. Critically, the increasing use of multiomic technologies is explored with an emphasis on how multiomic and multitissue studies contribute to a more profound understanding of exercise biology. These data inform anticipated future advancement in the field and highlight the prospect of integrating exercise with pharmacology for personalized disease prevention and treatment.

Angiogenesis within atherosclerotic plaques: Mechanical regulation, molecular mechanism and clinical diagnosis

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a disease characterized by focal cholesterol accumulation and insoluble inflammation in arterial intima, leading to the formation of an atherosclerotic plaque consisting of lipids, cells, and fibrous matrix. The presence of plaque can restrict or obstruct blood flow, resulting in arterial stenosis and local mechanical microenvironment changes including flow shear stress, vascular matrix stiffness, and plaque structural stress. Neovascularization within the atherosclerotic plaque plays a crucial role in both plaque growth and destabilization, potentially leading to plaque rupture and fatal embolism. However, the exact interactions between neovessels and plaque remain unclear. In this review, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the origin of intraplaque neovessels, the contributing factors, underlying molecular mechanisms, and associated signaling pathways. We specifically emphasize the role of mechanical factors contributing to angiogenesis in atherosclerotic plaques. Additionally, we summarize the imaging techniques and therapeutic strategies for intraplaque neovessels to enhance our understanding of this field.

Inflammation-induced PFKFB3-mediated glycolysis promoting myometrium contraction through the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway in preterm birth mice

Inflammation is a significant risk factor for preterm birth. Inflammation enhances glycolytic processes in various cell types and contributes to the development of myometrial contractions. However, the potential of inflammation to activate glycolysis in pregnant murine uterine smooth muscle cells (mUSMCs) and its role in promoting inflammatory preterm birth remain unexplored. In this study, lipopolysaccharide was employed to establish both cell and animal inflammation models. We found that inflammation of mUSMCs during late pregnancy could initiate glycolysis and promote cell contraction. Subsequently, the inhibition of glycolysis using the glycolysis inhibitor 2-deoxyglucose can reverse inflammation-induced cell contraction. The expression of 6-phosphofructokinase 2 kinase (PFKFB3) was significantly upregulated in mUSMCs following lipopolysaccharide stimulation. In addition, lactate accumulation and enhanced contraction were observed. Inhibition of PFKFB3 reversed the lactate accumulation and enhanced contraction induced by inflammation. We also found that inflammation activated the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt)-mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, leading to the upregulation of PFKFB3 expression. The PI3K-Akt pathway inhibitor LY294002 and the mTOR pathway inhibitor rapamycin effectively inhibited the upregulation of PFKFB3 protein expression, lactate production, and the enhancement of cell contraction induced by lipopolysaccharide. This study indicates that inflammation regulates PFKFB3 through the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway, which enhances the glycolytic process in pregnant mUSMCs, ultimately leading to myometrial contraction.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Expression of PFKFB3, a key enzyme in glycolysis, was significantly upregulated both in the mUSMCs and myometrium of mice during late pregnancy after lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Activation of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway enhanced PFKFB3 expression, which is involved in the initiation of glycolysis. Inflammation-activated PFKFB3 via the PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway, which enhances the cellular glycolytic process and thus promotes myometrium contraction in pregnancy.

Navigating confinement: Mechanotransduction and metabolic adaptation

Cell migration through confined spaces is a critical process influenced by the complex three-dimensional (3D) architecture of the local microenvironment and the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). Cells in vivo experience diverse fluidic signals, such as extracellular fluid viscosity, hydraulic resistance, and shear forces, as well as solid cues, like ECM stiffness and viscoelasticity. These fluidic and solid stressors activate mechanotransduction processes and regulate cell migration. They also drive metabolic reprogramming, dynamically altering glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation to meet the cell's energy demands in different microenvironments. This review discusses recent advances on the mechanisms of cell migration in confinement and how confinement-induced cellular behavior leads to metabolic reprogramming.

Endothelial Dysfunction: Redox Imbalance, NLRP3 Inflammasome, and Inflammatory Responses in Cardiovascular Diseases

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is characterized by an imbalance between vasodilatory and vasoconstrictive factors, leading to impaired vascular tone, thrombosis, and inflammation. These processes are critical in the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as atherosclerosis, hypertension and ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). Reduced nitric oxide (NO) production and increased oxidative stress are key contributors to ED. Aging further exacerbates ED through mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative/nitrosative stress, heightening CVD risk. Antioxidant systems like superoxide-dismutase (SOD), glutathione-peroxidase (GPx), and thioredoxin/thioredoxin-reductase (Trx/TXNRD) pathways protect against oxidative stress. However, their reduced activity promotes ED, atherosclerosis, and vulnerability to IRI. Metabolic syndrome, comprising insulin resistance, obesity, and hypertension, is often accompanied by ED. Specifically, hyperglycemia worsens endothelial damage by promoting oxidative stress and inflammation. Obesity leads to chronic inflammation and changes in perivascular adipose tissue, while hypertension is associated with an increase in oxidative stress. The NLRP3 inflammasome plays a significant role in ED, being triggered by factors such as reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, ischemia, and high glucose, which contribute to inflammation, endothelial injury, and exacerbation of IRI. Treatments, such as N-acetyl-L-cysteine, SGLT2 or NLRP3 inhibitors, show promise in improving endothelial function. Yet the complexity of ED suggests that multi-targeted therapies addressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and metabolic disturbances are essential for managing CVDs associated with metabolic syndrome.

Enhancing immunotherapy efficacy in oral cancer through AKB-9778-mediated vascular normalization

Tumor vasculature exhibit numerous abnormal features distinct from those of healthy vessels, potentially advancing tumor development by establishing an aberrant microenvironment. Therefore, vascular normalization has proven to be an effective tactic for substantially enhancing treatment efficacy across multiple tumors. However, the methods to attain vascular normalization may vary among tumor types. VE-PTP, expressed exclusively in vascular endothelial cells (ECs) and acting as a critical suppressor of vascular maturity and functionality, is upregulated in oral cancer due to hypoxia. In this study, we explored the effect and mechanism of AKB-9778, a competitive inhibitor of VE-PTP, in promoting vascular normalization of oral cancer. Initially, we showed that AKB-9778 can slow down tumor progression by fostering vascular normalization in a murine OSCC model. This was evidenced by improvements in vessel density, pericyte coverage, local hypoxia, and vascular permeability. RNA sequencing additionally indicated that the ECs of tumor vasculature exhibit abnormal alterations in adhesion molecules, and AKB-9778 treatment might facilitate vascular normalization by modulating lipid metabolism pathways, especially HSD17B7-regulated steroid biosynthesis. AKB-9778 treatment significantly up-regulated the HSD17B7 expression, thereby restoring the lipid content in tumor ECs. Moreover, this restoration of lipid metabolism mediated by HSD17B7 was associated with improved adhesion molecule expression and vascular normalization, facilitating immune cell infiltration and contributing to AKB-9778's anti-tumor effects. Finally, we verified the effects and safety of combined AKB-9778 treatment on improving the efficacy of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. In summary, this study revealed the mechanism and potential application of AKB-9778-induced vascular normalization in patients with oral cancer.

Lactate and lactylation in cancer

Accumulated evidence has implicated the diverse and substantial influence of lactate on cellular differentiation and fate regulation in physiological and pathological settings, particularly in intricate conditions such as cancer. Specifically, lactate has been demonstrated to be pivotal in molding the tumor microenvironment (TME) through its effects on different cell populations. Within tumor cells, lactate impacts cell signaling pathways, augments the lactate shuttle process, boosts resistance to oxidative stress, and contributes to lactylation. In various cellular populations, the interplay between lactate and immune cells governs processes such as cell differentiation, immune response, immune surveillance, and treatment effectiveness. Furthermore, communication between lactate and stromal/endothelial cells supports basal membrane (BM) remodeling, epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMT), metabolic reprogramming, angiogenesis, and drug resistance. Focusing on lactate production and transport, specifically through lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and monocarboxylate transporters (MCT), has shown promise in the treatment of cancer. Inhibitors targeting LDH and MCT act as both tumor suppressors and enhancers of immunotherapy, leading to a synergistic therapeutic effect when combined with immunotherapy. The review underscores the importance of lactate in tumor progression and provides valuable perspectives on potential therapeutic approaches that target the vulnerability of lactate metabolism, highlighting the Heel of Achilles for cancer treatment.

Cxcl9 modulates aging associated microvascular metabolic and angiogenic dysfunctions in subcutaneous adipose tissue

Microvascular aging, predominantly driven by endothelial cells (ECs) dysfunction, is a critical early event in cardiovascular diseases. However, the specific effects of aging on ECs across the microvascular network segments and the associated mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we detected a microvascular rarefaction and a decreased proportion of venular ECs in the subcutaneous adipose tissue of aged mice using light-sheet immunofluorescence microscopy and single-cell RNA sequencing. Moreover, aged ECs, especially in the venular subtype, exhibited a pseudotemporal transition to a terminal state characterized by diminished oxidative phosphorylation and strengthened cytokine signaling. Metabolic flux balance analysis predicted that among the 13 differentially expressed cytokines identified in aged EC subpopulations, Cxcl9 was strongly correlated with impaired oxidative phosphorylation in aged ECs. It was further validated using microvascular ECs treated with Cxcl9. Notably, the G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway was subsequently suppressed, in which Aplnr suppression was also observed in aged ECs, contributing to their impaired energy metabolism and reduced angiogenesis. Based on these findings, we propose Cxcl9 as a biomarker for aging-related dysfunction of microvascular ECs, suggesting that targeting Cxcl9 signaling may help combat microvascular aging.

Hexokinase detachment from mitochondria drives the Warburg effect to support compartmentalized ATP production

Hexokinase (HK) catalyzes the synthesis of glucose-6-phosphate, marking the first committed step of glucose metabolism. Most cancer cells express two homologous isoforms (HK1 and HK2) that can each bind to the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM). CRISPR screens across hundreds of cancer cell lines indicate that both are dispensable for cell growth in traditional culture media. By contrast, HK2 deletion impairs cell growth in Human Plasma-Like Medium (HPLM). Here, we find that HK2 is required to maintain sufficient cytosolic (OMM-detached) HK activity under conditions that enhance HK1 binding to the OMM. Notably, OMM-detached rather than OMM-docked HK promotes "aerobic glycolysis" (Warburg effect), an enigmatic phenotype displayed by most proliferating cells. We show that several proposed theories for this phenotype cannot explain the HK2 dependence and instead find that HK2 deletion severely impairs glycolytic ATP production with little impact on total ATP yield for cells in HPLM. Our results reveal a basis for conditional HK2 essentiality and suggest that demand for compartmentalized ATP synthesis underlies the Warburg effect.

Plasma from hypertensive pregnancy patients induce endothelial dysfunction even under atheroprotective shear stress

Preeclampsia (PE) is a challenge in maternal healthcare due to its complex nature, characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and damage to various organs. There is evidence linking PE to endothelial dysfunction (ED), triggered by substances released from an oxygen-deprived placenta. Previous in vitro studies have not considered the impact of in vivo elements, such as the different patterns of blood flow, and laminar (LSS) vs. oscillatory (OSS) shear stress, on the development of ED. We investigated the impact of plasma from healthy pregnant women (HP), subjects with gestational hypertension (GH), and PE patients on global gene expression of human coronary endothelial cells (HCAECs) under LSS and OSS. Our findings revealed a unique transcriptional profile of endothelial cells induced by plasma incubation in LSS. Notably, OSS resulted in similar transcriptomes irrespective of plasma treatment. Under LSS, GH plasma resulted in a proliferative profile, whereas PE plasma was linked to pro-inflammatory and antioxidant profiles compared to HP plasma. Our findings demonstrate that shear stress levels influence the endothelial cell transcriptome in response to plasma from hypertensive pregnancy patients. Both PE and GH can induce endothelial dysfunction under atheroprotective LSS, with a more significant effect observed with PE-derived plasma.

LDHA-mediated glycolysis in stria vascularis endothelial cells regulates macrophages function through CX3CL1-CX3CR1 pathway in noise-induced oxidative stress

According to the World Health Organization, more than 12% of the world's population suffers from noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Oxidative stress-mediated damage to the stria vascularis (SV) is one of the pathogenic mechanisms of NIHL. Recent studies indicate that glycolysis plays a critical role in endothelial cells (ECs)-related diseases. However, the specific role of glycolysis in dysfunction of SV-ECs remain largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of glycolysis on SV-ECs in vitro and on the SV in vivo. Our previous research identified the glycolysis pathway as a potential mechanism underlying the SV-ECs injuries induced by oxidative stress. We further examined the expression levels of glycolytic genes in SV-ECs under H2O2 stimulation and in noise-exposed mice. We found that the gene and protein expression levels of glycolytic-related enzyme LDHA significantly decreased at early phase after oxidative stress injury both in vitro and in vivo, and exhibited anti-inflammatory effects on macrophages (Mφ). Moreover, we analyzed the differential secretomes of SV-ECs with and without inhibition of LDHA using LC-MS/MS technology, identifying CX3CL1 as a candidate mediator for cellular communication between SV-ECs and Mφ. We found that CX3CL1 secretion from SV-ECs was decreased following LDHA inhibition and exhibited anti-inflammatory effects on Mφ via the CX3CR1 pathway. Similarly, the pro-inflammatory effect of LDHA-overexpressing SV-ECs was attenuated following inhibition of CX3CL1. In conclusion, our study revealed that glycolysis-related LDHA was reduced in oxidative stress-induced SV-ECs, and that LDHA inhibition in SV-ECs elicited anti-inflammatory effects on Mφ, at least partially through the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 pathway. These findings suggest that LDHA represent a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of NIHL.

Palmitic Acid Accelerates Endothelial Cell Injury and Cardiovascular Dysfunction via Palmitoylation of PKM2

High serum level of palmitic acid(PA) is implicated in pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. PA serves as the substrate for protein palmitoylation. However, it is still unknown whether palmitoylation is involved in PA-induced cardiovascular dysfunction. Here, in clinical cohort studies of 1040 patients with coronary heart disease, high level of PA is associated with risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and death. In ApoE-/-mice, 10 mg/kg-1 PA treatment induces blood pressure elevation, cardiac contractile dysfunction, endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerotic plaqueformation. In endothelial cells, inhibition of palmitoylation bypalmitoyl-transferase inhibitor 2-BP eliminates PA-induced endothelial injury, whereas promotion of palmitoylation by depalmitoylase inhibitor ML349 exacerbates the harmful effect of PA. Palmitoyl-proteomics analysis identifies pyruvate kinase isozyme type M2 (PKM2) as the palmitoylated protein responsible for PA-induced endothelial injury, and Cys31 as the predominant palmitoylated site. PKM2-C31S mutants (cysteine replaced by serine) prevents PA-induced endothelial injury. Endothelial-specific AAV-C31S PKM2endo ameliorates cardiovascular dysfunction caused by PA in ApoE-/- mice. Mechanistically, PKM2-C31 palmitoylation impairs PKM2 tetramerization to inhibit its pyruvate kinase activity and endothelial glycolysis. Finally, zDHHC13 is identified as the palmitoyl acyltransferase of PKM2. In conclusion, these findings suggest that PKM2-C31 palmitoylation contributes to PA-induced endothelial injury and cardiovascular dysfunction.

Lactylation of Histone H3k18 and Egr1 Promotes Endothelial Glycocalyx Degradation in Sepsis-Induced Acute Lung Injury

Circulating lactate is a critical biomarker for sepsis-induced acute lung injury (S-ALI) and is strongly associated with poor prognosis. However, whether elevated lactate directly promotes S-ALI and the specific mechanism involved remain unclear. Here, this work shows that lactate causes pulmonary endothelial glycocalyx degradation and worsens ALI during sepsis. Mechanistically, lactate increases the lactylation of K18 of histone H3, which is enriched at the promoter of EGR1 and promotes its transcription, leading to upregulation of heparanase in pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells. In addition, multiple lactylation sites are identified in EGR1, and lactylation is confirmed to occur mainly at K364. K364 lactylation of EGR1 facilitates its interaction with importin-α, in turn promoting its nuclear localization. Importantly, this work identifies KAT2B as a novel lactyltransferase whose GNAT domain directly mediates the lactylation of EGR1 during S-ALI. In vivo, suppression of lactate production or genetic knockout of EGR1 mitigated glycocalyx degradation and ALI and improved survival outcomes in mice with polymicrobial sepsis. Therefore, this study reveals that the crosstalk between metabolic reprogramming in endothelial cells and epigenetic modifications plays a critical role in the pathological processes of S-ALI.

Role of 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase in cancer: Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives

The occurrence and development of tumor is mediated by a wide range of complex mechanisms. Subsequent to nitric oxide and carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) holds the distinction of being the third identified gasotransmitter. Alternation of H2S level has been widely demonstrated to induce an array of disturbances in important cancer cell signaling pathways. As a result, the effects of H2S-catalyzing enzymes in cancers also attract widspread attention. 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST) is privileged to be one of them. In fact, 3-MST is overexpressed in many tumors including human colon cancer, lung adenocarcinoma, and bladder urothelial carcinoma. But it is also lowly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we focus on the generation of endogenous H2S and polysulfides, facilitated by 3-MST. Additionally, we delve deeply into the potential role of 3-MST in tumorigenesis and development. The impact of 3-MST inhibition on the development of tumors and its potential for tumor therapy are also highlighted.

Understanding glucose metabolism and insulin action at the blood-brain barrier: Implications for brain health and neurodegenerative diseases

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly selective, semipermeable barrier critical for maintaining brain homeostasis. The BBB regulates the transport of essential nutrients, hormones, and signaling molecules between the bloodstream and the central nervous system (CNS), while simultaneously protecting the brain from potentially harmful substances and pathogens. This selective permeability ensures that the brain is nourished and shielded from toxins. An exception to this are brain regions, such as the hypothalamus and circumventricular organs, which are irrigated by fenestrated capillaries, allowing rapid and direct response to various blood components. We overview the metabolic functions of the BBB, with an emphasis on the impact of altered glucose metabolism and insulin signaling on BBB in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Notably, endothelial cells constituting the BBB exhibit distinct metabolic characteristics, primarily generating ATP through aerobic glycolysis. This occurs despite their direct exposure to the abundant oxygen in the bloodstream, which typically supports oxidative phosphorylation. The effects of insulin on astrocytes, which form the glial limitans component of the BBB, show a marked sexual dimorphism. BBB nutrient sensing in the hypothalamus, along with insulin signaling, regulates systemic metabolism. Insulin modifies BBB permeability by regulating the expression of tight junction proteins, angiogenesis, and vascular remodeling, as well as modulating blood flow in the brain. The disruptions in glucose and insulin signaling are particularly evident in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, where BBB breakdown accelerates cognitive decline. This review highlights the critical role of normal glucose metabolism and insulin signaling in maintaining BBB functionality and investigates how disruptions in these pathways contribute to the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

Stress-induced mitochondrial fragmentation in endothelial cells disrupts blood-retinal barrier integrity causing neurodegeneration

Increased vascular leakage and endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction are major features of neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we investigated the mechanisms leading to EC dysregulation and asked whether altered mitochondrial dynamics in ECs impinge on vascular barrier integrity and neurodegeneration. We show that ocular hypertension, a major risk factor to develop glaucoma, induced mitochondrial fragmentation in retinal capillary ECs accompanied by increased oxidative stress and ultrastructural defects. Analysis of EC mitochondrial components revealed overactivation of dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1), a central regulator of mitochondrial fission, during glaucomatous damage. Pharmacological inhibition or EC-specific in vivo gene delivery of a dominant negative DRP1 mutant was sufficient to rescue mitochondrial volume, reduce vascular leakage, and increase expression of the tight junction claudin-5 (CLDN5). We further demonstrate that EC-targeted CLDN5 gene augmentation restored blood-retinal-barrier integrity, promoted neuronal survival, and improved light-evoked visual behaviors in glaucomatous mice. Our findings reveal that preserving mitochondrial homeostasis and EC function are valuable strategies to enhance neuroprotection and improve vision in glaucoma.

Repression of PFKFB3 sensitizes ovarian cancer to PARP inhibitors by impairing homologous recombination repair

BACKGROUND

Ovarian cancer (OC), particularly high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC), is the leading cause of mortality from gynecological malignancies worldwide. Despite the initial effectiveness of treatment, acquired resistance to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPis) represents a major challenge for the clinical management of HGSOC, highlighting the necessity for the development of novel therapeutic strategies. This study investigated the role of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), a pivotal regulator of glycolysis, in PARPi resistance and explored its potential as a therapeutic target to overcome PARPi resistance.

METHODS

We conducted in vitro and in vivo experiments to assess the role of PFKFB3 in OC and its impact on PARPi resistance. We analyzed PFKFB3 expression and activity in primary OC tissues and cell lines using western blotting and immunohistochemistry. CRISPR-Cas9 and pharmacological inhibitors were employed to inhibit PFKFB3, and the effects on PARPi resistance, homologous recombination (HR) repair efficiency, and DNA damage were evaluated. RNA sequencing and proximity labeling were employed to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying PFKFB3-mediated resistance. The in vivo efficacy of PARPi and PFK158 combination therapy was evaluated in OC xenograft models.

RESULTS

PFKFB3 activity was significantly elevated in OC tissues and associated with PARPi resistance. Inhibition of PFKFB3, both genetically and pharmacologically, sensitized OC cells to PARPis, impaired HR repair and increased DNA damage. Proximity labeling revealed replication protein A3 (RPA3) as a novel PFKFB3-binding protein involved in HR repair. In vivo, the combination of PFK158 and olaparib significantly inhibited tumor growth, increased DNA damage, and induced apoptosis in OC xenografts without exacerbating adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that PFKFB3 is crucial for PARPi resistance in OC. Inhibiting PFKFB3 sensitizes HR-proficient OC cells to PARPis by impairing HR repair, leading to increased DNA damage and apoptosis. PFKFB3 represents a promising therapeutic target for overcoming PARPi resistance and improving outcomes in OC patients.