Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) causes a lethal systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) which is characterized by significant metabolic alterations. Based on liver RNA sequencing, we found that TNF impairs the malate-aspartate shuttle (MAS), an essential redox shuttle that transfers reducing equivalents across the inner mitochondrial membrane thereby recycling cytosolic NAD + . This downregulation of MAS genes in TNF-induced SIRS likely results from loss of HNF4α function, which appears to be the key transcription factor involved. Using Slc25a13 -/- mice lacking citrin – a crucial MAS component – we demonstrate that MAS dysfunction exacerbates TNF-induced metabolic dysregulations and lethality. Disruptive NAD + regeneration leads to diminished mitochondrial β-oxidation, leading to elevated levels of circulating free fatty acids (FFAs) and to hepatic lipid accumulation. Simultaneously, MAS dysfunction promotes glycolysis coupled to lactate production and reduces lactate-mediated gluconeogenesis, culminating in severe hyperlactatemia that triggers VEGF-induced vascular leakage. Overall, MAS dysfunction contributes to metabolic failure and lethality in TNF-induced SIRS, highlighting its potential as a promising, therapeutic target.
Nuyttens et al. (2025) studied this question.