Hydroxycinnamic acids target COPII cargo sorting machinery to attenuate inflammation via the cGAS-STING axis

Hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs), specifically cinnamic, caffeic, and ferulic acids, are core bioactive components of traditional Chinese medicinal herbs such as Cinnamomi Cortex (Cinnamomum aromaticum Nees) and Asafoetida (Ferula assa-foetida L.), used for regulating metabolic disorders and inflammation. Despite their widespread clinical application, their specific molecular targets remain unidentified.

This study elucidates HCA molecular targets and mechanisms. Using in vitro and in vivo models, we establish a mechanistic foundation for HCA-rich TCM herbs in treating T2DM and metabolic/autoinflammatory disorders.

Crystal complex structures of HCA-COPII were solved to define binding modalities. In vitro, HCA effects on steatosis, TBK1/IRF3/STING signaling, and STING translocation were evaluated in AML12 and HEK-293T cells. In vivo, T2DM was induced in C57BL/6J mice using HFD and STZ. HCAs (30, 60 mg/kg, i.g.) were assessed against metformin for their ability to improve glucose tolerance (OGTT), insulin sensitivity (ITT/HOMA-IR), and dyslipidemia, while modulating hepatic cGAS-STING-mediated inflammation.

Structural and biochemical analyses show HCAs bind the Sec24 B-site of COPII competitively with STING. In vitro, HCAs reduce lipid accumulation in AML12 cells and inhibit TBK1/IRF3/STING signaling by blocking STING ER-to-Golgi translocation. In vivo, oral HCAs (30, 60 mg/kg, i.g.) restore glucose and lipid homeostasis while alleviating hepatic injury in T2DM mice. By inhibiting the cGAS-STING axis, HCAs demonstrate efficacy comparable to metformin, providing a mechanistic basis for treating metabolic and autoinflammatory diseases.

HCAs attenuate inflammation and steatosis in T2DM by targeting the Sec24 B-site to attenuate COPII-mediated STING trafficking, providing a novel molecular basis for their pharmacological efficacy.