Targeting MGLL: Terazosin Regulates Triglyceride Metabolism to Mitigate Endothelial Cell Senescence

TL;DR

This study shows that terazosin reduces endothelial cell aging by targeting MGLL and improving triglyceride metabolism, offering a new approach for treating age-related vascular diseases.

Contribution

The study identifies MGLL as a key regulator of endothelial cell senescence and demonstrates terazosin's ability to target it, offering a novel therapeutic strategy.

Findings

Terazosin improves endothelial-dependent vasodilation and reduces vascular stiffness in aged mice.

Terazosin modulates glycerolipid metabolism by reducing palmitic acid accumulation in senescent endothelial cells.

Monoglyceride lipase (MGLL) is identified as a critical player in endothelial cell senescence.

Abstract

Metabolic disorders often arise in senescent endothelial cells, impairing endothelial function, leading to diminished vasodilation and increased vascular stiffness, contributing to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Despite notable advancements, the molecular mechanisms driving endothelial cell senescence and its contribution to vascular aging remain poorly understood. This knowledge gap hinders the development of effective therapeutic strategies. This study investigates the role of terazosin (TZ) in mitigating vascular endothelial cell senescence, with emphasis on its impact on glycerolipid metabolism. Using both in vivo (aged mice) and in vitro (human umbilical vein endothelial cells, HUVECs) models, the research employs techniques such as senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, lipidomics analysis, and molecular docking simulations to uncover the underlying mechanisms. The results demonstrated that TZ treatment could significantly improve endothelial-dependent vasodilation, reduce vascular stiffness, and attenuate senescence markers in aged mice. Lipidomics analysis revealed that TZ could modulate glycerolipid metabolism, specifically by reducing palmitic acid accumulation in senescent endothelial cells. Further investigation identified monoglyceride lipase (MGLL), which hydrolyzed monoglycerides into palmitic acid and glycerol, as a key player in endothelial cell senescence. TZ reduced palmitic acid accumulation by targeting MGLL, thereby mitigating endothelial senescence. In conclusion, this study provides novel insights into the anti-senescence effects of TZ, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for age-related vascular diseases. Moreover, the identification of MGLL as a critical regulator of glycerolipid metabolism and endothelial cell senescence offers a promising target for future interventions in vascular aging.