Conclusion
Our findings illuminate that ECs subjected to WSS exhibit a preference for glutamine as a key nutrient source for central carbon metabolism pathways, indicating diminished reliance on glycolysis. This study elucidates the nutritional predilections and regulatory mechanisms governing EC metabolism under WSS in vitro, underscoring the pivotal role of physical stimuli in shaping EC metabolic responses.
Methods
ECs were exposed to WSS, and transcriptomic analysis was performed to assess gene expression changes related to metabolic pathways. Tracer metabolomics was used to track metabolic fluxes, focusing on glutamine and glycolytic metabolism. Additionally, chemical inhibition of glutamate dehydrogenase was conducted to evaluate its role in EC fitness under WSS.
Results
Transcriptomic data revealed upregulation of glutamine and glutamate pathways, alongside downregulation of glycolytic activity in ECs exposed to WSS. Tracer metabolomics confirmed that WSS promotes glutamine anaplerosis into the Krebs cycle, while decreasing glycolytic metabolism. Suppression of glutamate dehydrogenase impaired EC fitness under WSS conditions.