BCAT1 promotes acetylation of ACLY through fatty acid metabolism pathway promoting the occurrence and development of endometriosis
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Objective Currently, surgical intervention is the primary treatment for endometriosis (EM), but recurrence is common. This study aims to identify novel potential therapeutic targets for effective management of EM by investigating the role of branched chain amino acid transaminase 1 (BCAT1). Methods We analyzed BCAT1 expression in EM tissues using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. The functional impact of BCAT1 on ectopic endometrial stromal cells (EESCs) was evaluated using CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing, and Transwell assays. To study BCAT1’s role in fatty acid metabolism, we conducted transcriptomic sequencing, oxygen consumption rate (OCR) assays, lipid droplet assays, and measured cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The interaction between BCAT1 and ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY) was further analyzed through Western blotting and BCAT1 modulation experiments. Results BCAT1 expression was significantly elevated in EM tissues. Functional assays demonstrated that BCAT1 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of EESCs in vitro . BCAT1 also positively regulates fatty acid metabolism, which enhances ACLY expression and contributes to cell proliferation. Mechanistically, BCAT1 influences ACLY expression through epigenetic regulation, specifically via histone acetylation. Conclusion BCAT1 plays a crucial role in regulating EESC functions by modulating fatty acid metabolism and ACLY expression. These findings provide a theoretical basis for EM treatment.
Source: Frontiers in Genetics
Authors: Yanan Xu, Yanping Shen, Yingyan Yan, Liang Chen
Institutions: Ningbo University Affiliated Hospital, Ningbo University
Language: English
Subfield: Reproductive Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7222972037