How the Heart Stays Strong with MCT1-Dependent Mitochondrial Lactate Import
Preclinical study results suggest how the heart can keep itself well-fueled even under times of stress, by burning glucose in the cell cytosol while burning lactate in the mitochondria. The post How the Heart Stays Strong with MCT1-Dependent Mitochondrial Lactate Import appeared first on GEN - Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News .
Heart muscle cells maintain energy flow despite severe cardiovascular conditions by using both glucose and lactate as energy sources simultaneously. This unique ability, discovered by researchers at the University of Utah, relies on a molecule called MCT1, which transports lactate into the mitochondria for energy generation. When MCT1 is absent or dysfunctional, heart failure can occur due to disrupted energy balance under stress conditions.
Enhancing the heart's ability to utilize lactate as energy could lead to new therapeutic strategies for serious heart disorders such as heart failure and heart attacks.
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