Huang Lab Publishes JCI Study Linking Cpt1a Loss to Metabolic Rewiring and Defective Hematopoietic Stem Cells
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The Huang Lab at the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio announces a new publication in the Journal of Clinical Investigation that defines an essential role for CPT1A in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) maintenance. The study, published January 9, 2025, reports that deleting Cpt1a in the hematopoietic system disrupts HSC quiescence and self‑renewal while driving premature differentiation.
Using a hematopoiesis‑specific Cpt1a conditional knockout model, the team shows that loss of Cpt1a increases respiratory chain components and activity in HSCs. This elevates ATP production and mitochondrial ROS and shifts metabolism toward glucose‑fueled oxidative phosphorylation. The findings reveal how the balance between fatty acid β‑oxidation and glucose‑driven OXPHOS safeguards stem cell function.
“Our data clarify a central metabolic checkpoint for stem cell homeostasis,” said senior author Gang Huang, PhD. “CPT1A restrains mitochondrial over‑activation in HSCs, preserving quiescence and long‑term function.” The multi‑institutional study includes collaborators from UT Health San Antonio, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, and Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital.
The article, “Loss of Cpt1a results in elevated glucose‑fueled mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and defective hematopoietic stem cells,” appears in JCI (J Clin Invest. 2025;135(5):e184069; doi:10.1172/JCI184069). https://www.jci.org/articles/view/184069
About the Huang Lab
The Huang Lab at UT Health San Antonio is a basic and translational cancer research group within the MD Anderson Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio. The team integrates hematology and solid‑tumor biology with immunology and metabolism to uncover mechanisms and design interventions. The lab advances cell and biologic therapies, including CAR T‑cell approaches for solid tumors, and also pursues research in trauma and military health. Through collaboration, product‑minded innovation, and hands‑on training, the Huang Lab works to move discoveries into solutions that improve patient outcomes.