Go to The Journal of Clinical Investigation
  • About
  • Editors
  • Consulting Editors
  • For authors
  • Publication ethics
  • Publication alerts by email
  • Transfers
  • Advertising
  • Job board
  • Contact
  • Physician-Scientist Development
  • Current issue
  • Past issues
  • By specialty
    • COVID-19
    • Cardiology
    • Immunology
    • Metabolism
    • Nephrology
    • Oncology
    • Pulmonology
    • All ...
  • Videos
  • Collections
    • In-Press Preview
    • Resource and Technical Advances
    • Clinical Research and Public Health
    • Research Letters
    • Editorials
    • Perspectives
    • Physician-Scientist Development
    • Reviews
    • Top read articles

  • Current issue
  • Past issues
  • Specialties
  • In-Press Preview
  • Resource and Technical Advances
  • Clinical Research and Public Health
  • Research Letters
  • Editorials
  • Perspectives
  • Physician-Scientist Development
  • Reviews
  • Top read articles
  • About
  • Editors
  • Consulting Editors
  • For authors
  • Publication ethics
  • Publication alerts by email
  • Transfers
  • Advertising
  • Job board
  • Contact

Usage Information

Metabolic fitness of NAC1-deficient Tregs in the tumor microenvironment fuels tumor growth
Anil Kumar, Jugal Kishore Das, Hao-Yun Peng, Liqing Wang, Darby Jane Ballard, Yijie Ren, Xiaofang Xiong, Xingcong Ren, Jin-Ming Yang, Paul de Figueiredo, Jianxun Song
Anil Kumar, Jugal Kishore Das, Hao-Yun Peng, Liqing Wang, Darby Jane Ballard, Yijie Ren, Xiaofang Xiong, Xingcong Ren, Jin-Ming Yang, Paul de Figueiredo, Jianxun Song
View: Text | PDF
Research Article Immunology

Metabolic fitness of NAC1-deficient Tregs in the tumor microenvironment fuels tumor growth

  • Text
  • PDF
Abstract

The nucleus accumbens-associated protein 1 (NAC1) has recently emerged as a pivotal factor in oncogenesis by promoting glycolysis. Deletion of NAC1 in regulatory T cells (Tregs) has been shown to enhance FoxP3 stability, a suppressor of glycolysis. This study delves into the intriguing dual role of NAC1, uncovering that Treg-specific deletion of NAC1 fosters metabolic fitness in Tregs, thereby promoting tumorigenesis. Our results unveil that NAC1-deficient Tregs exhibited prolonged survival and heightened function, particularly in acidic environments. Mechanistically, we find that NAC1-deficient Tregs adapted to adverse conditions by upregulating FoxP3 expression, engaging in CD36-mediated lipid metabolism, and enhancing peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha–regulated mitochondrial function. In mouse tumor xenograft models, NAC1-deficient mice demonstrated increased susceptibility to tumor growth. Notably, Tregs lacking NAC1 not only displayed elevated lipid metabolism and mitochondrial fitness but also exhibited enhanced tumoral infiltration. Adoptive Treg transfer experiments further underscored the supportive role of NAC1-deficient Tregs in tumor growth. These findings suggest that modulating NAC1 expression in FoxP3+ Tregs could serve as a promising approach to augment antitumor immunity. Understanding the intricate interplay between NAC1 and Tregs opens avenues for potential therapeutic strategies targeting the tumor microenvironment.

Authors

Anil Kumar, Jugal Kishore Das, Hao-Yun Peng, Liqing Wang, Darby Jane Ballard, Yijie Ren, Xiaofang Xiong, Xingcong Ren, Jin-Ming Yang, Paul de Figueiredo, Jianxun Song

×

Usage data is cumulative from July 2025 through July 2026.

Usage JCI PMC
Text version 1,911 265
PDF 282 69
Figure 719 7
Supplemental data 218 14
Citation downloads 262 0
Totals 3,392 355
Total Views 3,747

Usage information is collected from two different sources: this site (JCI) and Pubmed Central (PMC). JCI information (compiled daily) shows human readership based on methods we employ to screen out robotic usage. PMC information (aggregated monthly) is also similarly screened of robotic usage.

Various methods are used to distinguish robotic usage. For example, Google automatically scans articles to add to its search index and identifies itself as robotic; other services might not clearly identify themselves as robotic, or they are new or unknown as robotic. Because this activity can be misinterpreted as human readership, data may be re-processed periodically to reflect an improved understanding of robotic activity. Because of these factors, readers should consider usage information illustrative but subject to change.

Advertisement

Copyright © 2026 American Society for Clinical Investigation
ISSN 2379-3708

Sign up for email alerts