Acetate controls endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition

Newswise —

In a new study, researchers including Yale School of Medicine's Michael Simons, MD, identify the molecular underpinnings of persistent endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT), an important process related to vascular inflammation in diseases including atherosclerosis and pulmonary hypertension.

Researchers found that atypical acetate production from glucose triggered metabolic modulation of the endothelium, activating TGF-β signaling and triggering a positive feedback loop that led to  EndMT persistence.

The work identifies endothelial ACSS2 as a potential therapeutic target for reducing atherosclerosis.