Single-cell multi-omics reveals SLC2A1-driven glycolytic reprogramming of pulmonary endothelial cells in sepsis-associated lung injury.

Abstract

Sepsis-induced lung injury is driven by pathological remodeling of pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs), yet the metabolic underpinnings of endothelial dysfunction remain poorly understood. Using single-cell multi-omics analysis of PMVECs from septic patients, we identified profound metabolic reprogramming dominated by glycolysis upregulation, orchestrated through the HIF-1/PI3K-Akt signaling axis. Integrated bioinformatics (Seurat/WGCNA) and experimental validation in a murine sepsis model revealed that SLC2A1-mediated glycolytic flux sustains PMVEC dysfunction, exacerbating tissue inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis. Targeted inhibition of glycolysis via SLC2A1 siRNA attenuated metabolic stress, evidenced by reduced extracellular acidification rate (Seahorse) and tricarboxylic acid cycle suppression (metabolomics), while restoring endothelial proliferation, migration, and VEGF/HIF1A homeostasis. Mechanistically, glycolytic inhibition decreased leukocyte infiltration (IHC) and alveolar damage, correlating with improved lung repair metrics. This study establishes PMVEC glycolysis as a keystone of sepsis-associated acute lung injury (ALI), where metabolic reprogramming transitions from adaptive survival signaling to maladaptive tissue injury. Our findings highlight SLC2A1-driven glycolytic pathways as actionable targets for mitigating endothelial dysfunction and advancing metabolic intervention strategies in septic ALI.