GoKawiilStudy finds lactate enters heart mitochondria directly via dedicated transporter
Researchers led by Cluntun and colleagues, publishing in Nature, report evidence that lactate can be transported directly into heart mitochondria through a specific protein transporter, rather than only being converted to pyruvate beforehand as long assumed. The team's findings indicate this direct entry pathway is necessary for the heart to function properly under stress conditions.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The result challenges a long-standing model of cellular metabolism, suggesting textbook descriptions of how cells process lactate for energy may need revision. If confirmed, this transporter could become a target for research into heart failure or metabolic stress, since the study ties the pathway to cardiac performance under strain.
- New study identifies a transporter allowing lactate to enter heart mitochondria directly
- Finding contradicts the prevailing view that lactate must convert to pyruvate first
- Pathway appears essential for cardiac function during physiological stress
Source: nature.com — Thome, 2026-10-28
Published there as: “Lactate takes a shortcut into mitochondria to power the heart”
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