Fatty acid synthase-mediated lipid droplet formation enhances macrophage killing of Staphylococcus aureus.

ABSTRACT: Macrophages play a critical role in defending against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), a major human pathogen. Recently, there has been growing interest in the metabolic regulation of macrophage function; however, the specific role of lipid synthesis in macrophage activation remains poorly understood. This study demonstrates that fatty acid synthase (FASN), an enzyme integral to de novo lipogenesis, is significantly upregulated in macrophages during S. aureus infection. Notably, S. aureus engages in a functional interaction with proteasomes, inhibiting their activity through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. This interaction results in reduced degradation of FASN, leading to elevated levels of this crucial enzyme. The increased expression of FASN is vital for macrophage-mediated patho

SUBMITTER: Wu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12504578 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature