PGC-1α loss promotes mitochondrial protein lactylation in acetaminophen-induced liver injury via the LDHB-lactate axis

Nimbolide Targeting SIRT1 Protects Against Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Injury by Regulating Oxidative Stress and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress

Acetaminophen (APAP) is a major cause of acute liver injury (ALI), and N-acetylcysteine is the only approved detoxification drug. Nimbolide (Nim), which is isolated from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), possesses protective properties against multiple diseases, including pancreatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, arthritis, and diabetic cardiomyopathy. Here, we investigated the protective effect of nimbolide on APAP-induced ALI. Male C57BL/6J mice were used to establish an ALI model via APAP administration (500 mg/kg, i.p.). All the mice received nimbolide (20 mg/kg, i.p.) or a vehicle 2 h before APAP injection. Blood and liver samples were collected at the indicated times. As expected, Nim treatment alleviated APAP-induced liver injury and inflammation in the mice. Moreover, Nim inhibited APAP-induced apoptosis by regulating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We further revealed that Nim improved mitochondrial function and increased Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression. However, the protective effects of Nim were partially blocked by SIRT1 knockdown via siRNA in vitro. Our study revealed that nimbolide alleviated APAP-induced ALI by inhibiting oxidative stress and ER stress via SIRT1 activation.

Biomimetic mineralized mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes for dual modulation of ferroptosis and lactic acid-driven inflammation in acute liver injury therapy

Acute liver injury (ALI) is characterized by rapid and severe hepatocellular damage, leading to ferroptosis and an exacerbated inflammatory response. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-exo) have emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for ALI due to their ability to deliver antioxidants and stabilize solute carrier family 7 members 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) system. In this study, we developed a novel engineered exosome, MSC-exo/MnO2@DEX, by encapsulating the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone (DEX) within MSC-exo and modifying its surface with manganese dioxide (MnO2) via a bionano-mineralization approach. MnO2 exhibits multi-enzymatic activity, enabling efficient scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anions. When combined with MSC-exo, MnO2 not only reduces ROS levels and generates oxygen but also stabilizes the SLC7A11/GPX4 axis, thereby protecting hepatocytes from ferroptosis. Concurrently, DEX suppresses the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, inhibits macrophage M1 polarization, and alleviates hepatic inflammation. The oxygen produced by MnO2 catalysis further mitigates hypoxia, decreases lactic acid accumulation, and downregulates histone lactylation, synergizing with DEX to enhance NF-κB pathway inhibition and amplify anti-inflammatory effects. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that MSC-exo/MnO2@DEX significantly enhances antioxidant capacity, metabolic processes, and immune function, while improving liver function and suppressing ferroptosis, lactylation and inflammatory responses. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the therapeutic potential of MSC-exo/MnO2@DEX as an effective treatment for ALI.

The regulatory role of protein lactylation in various diseases: Special focus on the regulatory role of non-histone lactylation

Lactylation, an emerging form of post-translational modification derived from lactate, plays a pivotal role in numerous cellular processes such as tumor proliferation, metabolism, inflammation, and embryonic development. However, the precise molecular mechanisms by which lactylation controls these biological functions in both physiological and pathological contexts remain elusive. This review summarizes the latest reported regulatory mechanisms of protein lactylation in various diseases since 2024, introducing the latest research progress regarding the regulatory functions of protein lactylation in pathological processes, with particular attention to the regulatory mechanisms of non-histone lactylation modification in diseases. Finally, it outlines the potential of targeted lactylation therapy, proposes the main directions for future research, and emphasizes its scientific significance for future studies.

Lactylation as a metabolic epigenetic modification: Mechanistic insights and regulatory pathways from cells to organs and diseases

In recent years, lactylation, a novel post-translational modification, has demonstrated a unique role in bridging cellular metabolism and epigenetic regulation. This modification exerts a dual-edged effect in both cancer and non-cancer diseases by dynamically integrating the supply of metabolic substrates and the activity of modifying enzymes: on one hand, it promotes tissue homeostasis and repair through the activation of repair genes; on the other, it exacerbates pathological progression by driving malignant phenotypes. In the field of oncology, lactylation regulates key processes such as metabolic reprogramming, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance, thereby shaping the heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment. In non-cancerous diseases, including neurodegeneration and cardiovascular disorders, its aberrant activation can lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, fibrosis, and chronic inflammation. Existing studies have revealed a dynamic regulatory network formed by the cooperation of modifying and demodifying enzymes, and have identified mechanisms such as subcellular localization and RNA metabolism intervention that influence disease progression. Nevertheless, several challenges remain in the field. This article comprehensively summarizes the disease-specific regulatory mechanisms of lactylation, with the aim of providing a theoretical foundation for its targeted therapeutic application.

Chlorogenic Acid Improves High-Fat Diet-Induced Skeletal Muscle Metabolic Disorders by Regulating Mitochondrial Function and Lactate Metabolism

Mitochondria are pivotal in sustaining skeletal muscle and the systemic metabolic balance. Chlorogenic acid (CA) is a common dietary antioxidant known for its ability to modulate metabolic homeostasis. This study aimed to investigate the impact of CA on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic disorder in skeletal muscle. C57BL/6J mice fed with a HFD were treated with CA for 12 weeks. The study assessed the overall glycolipid metabolic status, exercise performance, muscle fiber type, and antioxidant capacity of skeletal muscle in HFD-fed mice treated with CA. Results showed that CA reduced fat accumulation, improved exercise capacity, and enhanced mitochondrial performance in HFD-fed mice. Untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed that lactate metabolism and mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO) responded positively to CA intervention. Molecular mechanisms demonstrated that CA intervention improved mitochondrial biogenesis and function, promoting FAO and oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria and ultimately reducing fat deposition in skeletal muscle induced by HFD feeding. Mechanistically, CA decreased HFD-induced lactate production and protein lactylation in skeletal muscle, highlighting the importance of the LDHA-lactate axis in mitochondrial function improvement by CA. Therefore, this study provides additional insights supporting the potential of CA as a natural dietary supplement for metabolic syndrome and associated disorders.

Mitochondrial quality control and transfer communication in neurological disorders and neuroinflammation

Mitochondria, as the primary energy factories of cells, play a pivotal role in maintaining nervous system function and regulating inflammatory responses. The balance of mitochondrial quality control is critical for neuronal health, and disruptions in this balance are often implicated in the pathogenesis of various neurological disorders. Mitochondrial dysfunction not only exacerbates energy deficits but also triggers neuroinflammation through the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), such as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). This review examines the mechanisms and recent advancements in mitochondrial quality control in neurological diseases, focusing on processes such as mitochondrial fusion and fission, mitophagy, biogenesis, and protein expression regulation. It further explores the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequent inflammatory cascades in conditions such as ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumors. Additionally, emerging research highlights the significance of mitochondrial transfer mechanisms, particularly intercellular transfer between neurons and glial cells, as a potential strategy for mitigating inflammation and promoting cellular repair. This review provides insights into the molecular underpinnings of neuroinflammatory pathologies while underscoring the translational potential of targeting mitochondrial quality control for therapeutic development.

Age-associated reduction in ER-Mitochondrial contacts impairs mitochondrial lipid metabolism and autophagosome formation in the heart

The accumulation of dysfunctional giant mitochondria is a hallmark of aged cardiomyocytes. This study investigated the core mechanism underlying this phenomenon, focusing on the disruption of mitochondrial lipid metabolism and its effects on mitochondrial dynamics and autophagy, using both naturally aging mouse models and etoposide-induced cellular senescence models. In aged cardiomyocytes, a reduction in endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondrial (ER-Mito) contacts impairs lipid transport and leads to insufficient synthesis of mitochondrial phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). A deficiency in phosphatidylserine decarboxylase (PISD) further hinders the conversion of phosphatidylserine to PE within mitochondria, exacerbating the deficit of PE production. This PE shortage disrupts autophagosomal membrane formation, leading to impaired autophagic flux and the accumulation of damaged mitochondria. Modulating LACTB expression to enhance PISD activity and PE production helps maintain mitochondrial homeostasis and the integrity of aging cardiomyocytes. These findings highlight the disruption of mitochondrial lipid metabolism as a central mechanism driving the accumulation of dysfunctional giant mitochondria in aged cardiomyocytes and suggest that inhibiting LACTB expression could serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for mitigating cardiac aging and preserving mitochondrial function.

Lactylation: a promising therapeutic target in ischemia-reperfusion injury management

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a critical condition that poses a significant threat to patient safety. The production of lactate increases during the process of IRI, and lactate serves as a crucial indicator for assessing the severity of such injury. Lactylation, a newly discovered post-translational modification in 2019, is induced by lactic acid and predominantly occurs on lysine residues of histone or nonhistone proteins. Extensive studies have demonstrated the pivotal role of lactylation in the pathogenesis and progression of various diseases, including melanoma, myocardial infarction, hepatocellular carcinoma, Alzheimer's disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Additionally, a marked correlation between lactylation and inflammation has been observed. This article provides a comprehensive review of the mechanism underlying lactylation in IRI to establish a theoretical foundation for better understanding the interplay between lactylation and IRI.

Lysine lactylation analysis of proteins in the heart of the Kawasaki disease mouse model

Introduction

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a medium-vessel vasculitis predominantly affecting children under 5 years of age and may involve the coronary arteries.

Methods

A mouse KD model was induced by Candida albicans cell wall extracts (CAWS), cardiac tissues were analyzed through integrated lactylomic and proteomic profiling. The lysine lactylation (Kla) results were normalized to the proteomic data.

Results

Elevated serum lactate and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were observed in KD patients. Given lactate's role as a substrate for Kla, this study investigated Kla modifications in KD. Proteomic analysis identified 150 upregulated proteins and 18 downregulated proteins, with 38.1% located in the cytoplasm and significant enrichment in immune-related pathways. After normalization, 41 sites in 37 proteins were found to be upregulated in the Kla data, with no downregulated sites. Approximately 67.57% of the altered proteins were localized in the mitochondria. Bioinformatics analysis indicated alterations in aerobic respiration, energy production and conversion, and key immune- and metabolism-related pathways.

Discussion

This study enhances the understanding of Kla modifications in the development of KD and may inform targeted therapies for its prevention and improved prognosis.

Unveiling lactylation modification: A new hope for cancer treatment

This review article delves into the multifaceted role of lactylation modification in antitumor therapy, revealing the complex interplay between lactylation modification and the tumor microenvironment (TME), metabolic reprogramming, gene expression, and immunotherapy. As an emerging epigenetic modification, lactylation has a significant impact on the metabolic pathways of tumor cells, immune evasion, gene expression regulation, and sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs. Studies have shown that lactylation modification significantly alters the development and therapeutic response of tumors by affecting metabolites in the TME, immune cell functions, and signaling pathways. In the field of immunotherapy, the regulatory role of lactylation modification provides a new perspective and potential targets for tumor treatment, including modulating the sensitivity of tumors to immunotherapy by affecting the expression of immune checkpoint molecules and the infiltration of immune cells. Moreover, research progress on lactylation modification in various types of tumors indicates that it may serve as a biomarker to predict patients' responses to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Overall, research on lactylation modification provides a theoretical foundation for the development of new tumor treatment strategies and holds promise for improving patient prognosis and quality of life. Future research will further explore the application potential of lactylation modification in tumor therapy and how to improve treatment efficacy by targeting lactylation modification.

Functional mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies for lactylation in liver diseases

Lactylation, a novel form of lactate-mediated protein post-translational modification (PTM), has been identified as a crucial regulator of gene expression and protein function through the modification of both histone and non-histone proteins. Liver disease is frequently characterized by a reprogramming of glucose metabolism and subsequent lactate accumulation. Recent research has implicated lactylation in a diverse array of hepatic pathologies, including liver injury, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Consequently, lactylation has emerged as a pivotal regulatory mechanism in liver disease pathogenesis. This review aims to elucidate the intricate regulatory and functional mechanisms underlying lactylation, synthesize recent advancements in its role in various liver diseases, and highlight its potential as a therapeutic target for future interventions in hepatic disorders.

Lactylation: The metabolic accomplice shaping cancer's response to radiotherapy and immunotherapy

Protein lactylation, an emerging post-translational modification, is providing new insights into tumor biology and challenging our current understanding of cancer mechanisms. Our review illuminates the intricate roles of lactylation in carcinogenesis, tumor progression, and therapeutic responses, positioning it as a critical linchpin connecting metabolic reprogramming, epigenetic modulation, and treatment outcomes. We provide an in-depth analysis of lactylation's molecular mechanisms and its far-reaching impact on cell cycle regulation, immune evasion strategies, and therapeutic resistance within the complex tumor microenvironment. Notably, this review dissects the paradoxical nature of lactylation in cancer immunotherapy and radiotherapy. While heightened lactylation can foster immune suppression and radioresistance, strategically targeting lactylation cascades opens innovative avenues for amplifying the efficacy of current treatment paradigms. We critically evaluate lactylation's potential as a robust diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and explore frontier therapeutic approaches targeting lactylation. The synergistic integration of multi-omics data and artificial intelligence in lactylation research is catalyzing significant strides towards personalized cancer management. This review not only consolidates current knowledge but also charts a course for future investigations. Key research imperatives include deciphering tumor-specific lactylation signatures, optimizing synergistic strategies combining lactylation modulation with immune checkpoint inhibitors and radiotherapy, and comprehensively assessing the long-term physiological implications of lactylation intervention. As our understanding of lactylation's pivotal role in tumor biology continues to evolve, this burgeoning field promises to usher in transformative advancements in cancer diagnosis, treatment modalitie.

Global profiling of protein lactylation in microglia in experimental high-altitude cerebral edema

BACKGROUND

High-altitude cerebral edema (HACE) is considered an end-stage acute mountain sickness (AMS) that typically occurs in people after rapid ascent to 2500 m or more. While hypoxia is a fundamental feature of the pathophysiological mechanism of HACE, emerging evidence suggests that inflammation serves as a key risk factor in the occurrence and development of this disease. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism underlying their crosstalk.

METHODS

A mouse HACE model was established by combination treatment with hypobaric hypoxia exposure and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulation. Lactylated-proteomic analysis of microglia was performed to reveal the global profile of protein lactylation. Molecular modeling was applied to evaluate the 3-D modeling structures. A combination of experimental approaches, including western blotting, quantitative real-time reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), confocal microscopy and RNA interference, were used to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms.

RESULTS

We found that hypoxia exposure increased the lactate concentration and lactylation in mouse HACE model. Moreover, hypoxia aggravated the microglial neuroinflammatory response in a lactate-dependent manner. Global profiling of protein lactylation has shown that a large quantity of lysine-lactylated proteins are induced by hypoxia and preferentially occur in protein complexes, such as the NuRD complex, ribosome biogenesis complex, spliceosome complex, and DNA replication complex. The molecular modeling data indicated that lactylation could affect the 3-D theoretical structure and increase the solvent accessible surface area of HDAC1, MTA1 and Gatad2b, the core members of the NuRD complex. Further analysis by knockdown or selectively inhibition indicated that the NuRD complex is involved in hypoxia-mediated aggravation of inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results revealed a comprehensive profile of protein lactylation in microglia and suggested that protein lysine lactylation plays an important role in the regulation of protein function and subsequently contributes to the neuroinflammatory response under hypoxic conditions.