Pyruvate kinase M2 modulates mitochondrial dynamics and EMT in alveolar epithelial cells during sepsis-associated pulmonary fibrosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) severely impacts both the survival and quality of life of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and remains a leading cause of late-stage ARDS-related mortality. The role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) is pivotal in the development of PF.

Methods

This study explored the modulation of mitochondrial dynamics and the induction of EMT by pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) in AECs, aiming to identify new strategies for the prevention and treatment of sepsis-associated PF.

Results

The results demonstrated that exposure to LPS increased the levels of PKM2 and the mitochondrial fission marker dynamin-related protein-1 (DRP1), while reducing the levels of the mitochondrial fusion marke

SUBMITTER: Feng J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11837412 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature