Scientific article
OA Policy
English

MYCT1–IFITM2/3 interaction links endothelial endolysosomal trafficking to white adipose tissue expansion

Published inThe Journal of experimental medicine, vol. 223, no. 5, e20251497
Publication date2026-05-04
First online date2026-03-25
Abstract

Vertebrates rely on a network of blood vessels to meet organ demands for oxygen and nutrients. While endothelial cells are known to transport excess nutrients to white adipose tissue (WAT) for energy storage, how their metabolic state impacts this process remains unclear. Here, we identify MYCT1 as a conserved, pan-endothelial protein essential for WAT expansion. Endothelial-specific MYCT1 deletion limited WAT expansion independently of angiogenesis, adipogenesis, or systemic metabolic parameters. Mechanistically, MYCT1 interacted with the transmembrane endolysosomal proteins IFITM2/3 to restrict nutrient consumption by the vascular barrier. Loss of MYCT1 caused IFITM2/3 accumulation in early endosomes, promoting excessive endolysosomal degradation and mTORC1 hyperactivation, limiting the WAT energy storage capacity. Notably, endothelial-specific mTORC1 activation through TSC1 deletion phenocopied the fat storage defects of MYCT1 deficiency. Our findings establish the MYCT1-IFITM2/3 complex as endothelial metabolic checkpoint regulating systemic energy storage. Targeting MYCT1-IFITM2/3 may offer new therapeutic options for obesity and metabolic disorders.

Keywords
  • Adipose Tissue, White / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Endosomes / metabolism
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lysosomes / metabolism
  • Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 / metabolism
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Mice
Funding
Citation (ISO format)
WETTERWALD, Laureline et al. MYCT1–IFITM2/3 interaction links endothelial endolysosomal trafficking to white adipose tissue expansion. In: The Journal of experimental medicine, 2026, vol. 223, n° 5, p. e20251497. doi: 10.1084/jem.20251497
Main files (1)
Article (Published version)
Identifiers
Journal ISSN0022-1007
1views
0downloads

Technical informations

Creation26/03/2026 01:40:57
First validation18/08/2026 07:28:16
Update18/08/2026 07:28:16
Status update18/08/2026 07:28:16
Last indexation18/08/2026 07:28:18
All rights reserved by Archive ouverte UNIGE and the University of GenevaunigeBlack