We also observed an increase in messenger RNA (mRNA) expression and the protein levels of acetate-synthesizing enzyme acetyl-CoA synthetase short-chain family member 2 (ACSS2, a nucleocytosolic enzyme) in acetate-treated cancer cells under acidosis but not under normal pH (Fig. 2i,j and Extended Data Fig. 4n–o). The gene discussed is ACSS2; the disease is cancer.