Lactate, histone lactylation and cancer hallmarks

Lactate metabolism and lactylation in kidney diseases: insights into mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities

The kidney is essential for lactate metabolism. Under normal conditions, the renal cortex mainly absorbs and metabolizes lactate, with minimal amounts excreted in urine. This process is part of a glucose-lactate recycling system between the cortex and medulla. In conditions such as acute kidney injury (AKI) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD), the kidney's ability to metabolize lactate is impaired, leading to lactate accumulation and exacerbated renal dysfunction. Novel post-translational modifications, such as lactylation, are critical in kidney disease pathophysiology by modulating gene transcription, protein function, and cellular metabolism. Lactylation is involved in inflammatory responses and tumor promotion in AKI, mitochondrial dysfunction in DKD, and tumor progression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). The lactate-lactylation axis is central to the Warburg effect in ccRCC, where tumor cells preferentially rely on glycolysis rather than oxidative phosphorylation. Understanding the mechanisms of lactate metabolism and lactylation in kidney diseases may offer new therapeutic strategies. This review examines the role of lactate esters, especially lactylation, in kidney diseases, with a focus on their regulatory mechanisms and potential as therapeutic targets.

Metformin inhibits the progression of castration-resistant prostate cancer by regulating PDE6D induced purine metabolic alternation and cGMP / PKG pathway activation

The castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) remains an incurable disease. Metformin has demonstrated a potential therapeutic effect on CRPC. However, the poor clinical performance of metformin against cancer may be due to its clinical dose being much lower than the anticancer concentration used in pre-clinical experiments. The challenge is to determine a way to enhance sensitivity to metformin at an appropriate concentration on CRPC. In this study, a mouse model of low-dose metformin treatment for CRPC cells were established. Metabolomic-seq and transcriptomic-seq was used to investigate changes in CRPC xenografts. We discovered that low-dose metformin inhibits the progression of CRPC by regulating PDE6D, which induces alterations in purine metabolism and activates the cGMP/PKG pathway. Furthermore, we found that cells with high expression of PDE6D were more resistant to metformin. When combined with the PDE6D inhibitor TMX-4100, the inhibitory effect on tumors was enhanced, and TMX-4100 demonstrated favorable biosafety in animal models. In conclusion, we found that low-dose metformin inhibits the progression of CRPC by regulating PDE6D-induced alterations in purine metabolism and activating the cGMP/PKG pathway. Moreover, patients with high PDE6D expression may exhibit greater resistance to metformin. Combining metformin with TMX-4100 could further improve the inhibitory effects on tumors.

Mitochondrial alanyl-tRNA synthetase 2 mediates histone lactylation to promote ferroptosis in intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

Ferroptosis is a newly recognized form of regulated cell death characterized by iron-dependent accumulation of lipid reactive oxygen species. It has been extensively studied in various diseases, including cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. However, its precise role and underlying mechanisms in ischemia/ reperfusion injury, particularly in the intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IIR), remain unclear. In current work, we aimed to investigate the participation of histone lactylation during IIR progression.

AIM

To investigate the role of mitochondrial alanyl-tRNA synthetase 2 (AARS2) in ferroptosis and its epigenetic regulation of acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) through histone lactylation during IIR injury.

METHODS

We established a mouse model to mimic IIR and conducted AARS2 knockdown as treatment. The expression of AARS2 in intestinal tissues was measured by western blot. The integrity of intestinal tissues was detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining, serum fatty acid-binding protein, protein levels of ZO-1 and occluding. An in vitro hypoxia-reperfusion (H/R) cell model was established, and cell viability was measured by CCK-8. The in vitro and in vivo ferroptosis was determined by the accumulation of Fe²⁺ and malondialdehyde (MDA). The epigenetic regulation of ACSL4 by AARS2 was detected by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay and luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

We observed a notable elevated AARS2 level in intestinal tissue of mice in IIR model group, which was reversed by shAARS2 treatment. Knockdown of AARS2 repressed alleviated intestinal barrier disruption and repressed the accumulation of ferroptosis biomarker Fe²⁺ and MDA during IIR. The in vitro results showed that shAARS2 alleviated impaired cell viability caused by H/R, as well as repressed ferroptosis. Knockdown of AARS2 notably downregulated the RNA and protein expression of ACSL4. Mechanistically, knockdown of AARS2 downregulated the enrichment of H3K18 La modification on AARS2, as well as suppressed its promoter activity. Overexpression of AARS2 could abolish the protective effects of shACSL4 in vitro.

CONCLUSION

The elevation of AARS2 during IIR led to cell ferroptosis via epigenetically upregulating the expression of ACSL4. Our findings presented AARS2 as a promising therapeutic target for IIR.

Lactate metabolism reprogramming in PDAC: Potential for tumor therapy

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancers. During tumor progression, metabolic reprogramming plays a crucial role in both tumor proliferation and immune evasion. In PDAC, genetic mutations and environment limitations lead to resulting in increased lactate production through enhanced glycolysis. Elevated glycolysis is a significant metabolic feature in pancreatic cancer, leading to lactate accumulation within both the tumor cells and tumor immune microenvironment. Lactate not only promotes tumor growth and sustains its survival but also has a profound impact on the immune-suppressive phenotype switch of immune cells. Lactate promotes tumor progression through various biological processes. Pharmacological agents targeting lactate generation, accumulation and lactate-related molecular pathways show potential clinical translation value in cancer treatment.

Lactylation: From Homeostasis to Pathological Implications and Therapeutic Strategies

Lactylation, a recently identified post-translational modification, represents a groundbreaking addition to the epigenetic landscape, revealing its pivotal role in gene regulation and metabolic adaptation. Unlike traditional modifications, lactylation directly links metabolic intermediates, such as lactate, to protein function and cellular behavior. Emerging evidence highlights the critical involvement of lactylation in diverse biological processes, including immune response modulation, cellular differentiation, and tumor progression. However, its regulatory mechanisms, biological implications, and disease associations remain poorly understood. This review systematically explores the enzymatic and nonenzymatic mechanisms underlying protein lactylation, shedding light on the interplay between cellular metabolism and epigenetic control. We comprehensively analyze its biological functions in normal physiology, such as immune homeostasis and tissue repair, and its dysregulation in pathological contexts, including cancer, inflammation, and metabolic disorders. Moreover, we discuss advanced detection technologies and potential therapeutic interventions targeting lactylation pathways. By integrating these insights, this review aims to bridge critical knowledge gaps and propose future directions for research. Highlighting lactylation's multifaceted roles in health and disease, this review provides a timely resource for understanding its clinical implications, particularly as a novel target for precision medicine in metabolic and oncological therapies.

The role and research progress of epigenetic modifications in obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnea syndrome and related complications

Epigenetic modifications are heritable changes in gene expression that do not alter the DNA sequence. Histone modifications, non-coding RNA expression, and DNA methylation are examples of common epigenetic changes. Obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is the most common sleep-related breathing disorder, and its incidence is increasing annually, making it a hotspot of clinical research and significantly impacting health and well-being. The main cause of OSAHS is related to complications caused by repeated chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). Currently, polysomnography (PSG) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) remain the gold standards for the diagnosis and treatment of OSAHS. However, their limitations-such as time consumption, high cost, and poor patient comfort-contribute to the paradox of high disease prevalence yet low rates of diagnosis and treatment, resulting in a substantial disease burden. In recent years, rapid advances in epigenetics have revealed that biomarkers such as microRNAs (miRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and other epigenetic modifications hold promise as non-invasive tools for the diagnosis and treatment of OSAHS and its related complications. Although numerous studies have explored epigenetic modifications in other diseases, this study focuses on how epigenetic modifications participate in the process of OSAHS and its related complications, with an aim of elucidating the pathogenesis of OSAHS from an epigenetic perspective and provide new directions for identifying molecular targets for the diagnosis and treatment of OSAHS and related complications.

H3K18 lactylation-mediated SIX1 upregulation contributes to silica-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in airway epithelial cells

Silica exposure-induced airway epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical pathological process in pulmonary fibrosis. This study investigated the role of NLRP3 inflammasome, glycolysis, and histone lactylation in silica-induced EMT of human bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE). Silica exposure activated NLRP3 inflammasome, enhanced glycolysis and H3K18 lactylation, as well as induced EMT in 16HBE cells. Selective inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome with MCC950, blockade of the interleukin 1 (IL-1) receptor with AF12198, or suppression of lactate production with oxamate effectively reduced glycolysis-mediated histone lactylation and mitigated silica-induced EMT. Moreover, silica-induced upregulation of PFKFB3, a key enzyme of glycolysis, was significantly mitigated by MCC950 or AF12198. Cut&Tag analysis revealed silica treatment led to H3K18 lactylation enrichment at transcription start sites (TSS), particularly within the promoter region of the sine oculis homeobox 1 (SIX1), which enhanced transcription of SIX1, a key transcription factor involved in EMT. Consistently, inhibition of histone lactylation by the histone acetyltransferase P300 inhibitor A-485 suppressed silica-induced SIX1 expression and EMT. These findings indicate that silica activates NLRP3 inflammasome and promotes interleukin 1β (IL-1β) production, thereafter enhancing PFKFB3-mediated glycolysis by IL-1 receptor. Lactate accumulation by glycolysis enhances H3K18 lactylation at the TSS facilitating expression of SIX1. Together, this inflammation-glycolysis-lactylation cascade involved in EMT provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Post-translational modifications and the reprogramming of tumor metabolism

Metabolic reprogramming occurs alongside tumor development. As cancers advance from precancerous lesions to locally invasive tumors and then to metastatic tumors, metabolic patterns exhibit distinct changes, including mutations in metabolic enzymes and modifications in the activity of metabolic regulatory proteins. Alterations in metabolic patterns can influence tumor evolution, either establishing or alleviating metabolic burdens and facilitating cancer growth. To fully understand how metabolic reprogramming helps tumors grow and find the metabolic activities that are most useful for treating tumors, we need to have a deeper understanding of how metabolic patterns are controlled as tumors grow. Post-translational modifications (PTMs), a critical mechanism in the regulation of protein function, can influence protein activity, stability, and interactions in several ways. In tumor cells, PTMs-mediated metabolic reprogramming is a crucial mechanism for adapting to the challenging microenvironment and sustaining fast growth. This article will deeply explore the intricate regulatory mechanism of PTMs on metabolic reprogramming and its role in tumor progression, with the expectation of providing new theoretical basis and potential targets for tumor treatment.

NCAPD3 contributes to lung cancer progression through modulated lactate-induced histone lactylation and MEK/ERK/LDHA axis

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the most common malignant tumors globally. Non-SMC condensin II complex subunit D3 (NCAPD3) has been involved in the progression of many kinds of tumors. However, the effects of NCAPD3 in LC remain unclear. NCAPD3 expression was investigated by the Ualcan database and using Western blot. The effect of NCAPD3 on prognosis was explored via the Kaplan-Meier plotter database. Cell viability, colony formation, apoptosis, and Transwell assays, and in vivo tumorigenesis were performed to reveal the biological roles of NCAPD3. Glycolysis was assessed via measurement of glucose consumption, extracellular acidification rate (ECAR), lactate production, and ATP levels. The deeper mechanisms of NCAPD3 were investigated by Western blot and rescue experiments. Upregulation of NCAPD3 levels in LC tissues was found in Ualcan and significantly associated with poor prognosis. The expression of NCAPD3 was up-regulated in LC cell lines compared to BEAS-2B cells. Knockdown and overexpression experiments suggested that proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and glycolysis were regulated by NCAPD3 via the MEK/ERK/LDHA pathway. Additionally, NCAPD3 knockdown inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, NCAPD3 overexpression-mediated activation of the MEK/ERK/LDHA pathway and proliferation, Glucose uptake, and glycolysis were attenuated by MEK inhibitor U0126. Also, histone lactylation helps in tumorigenesis by promoting NCAPD3 expression. Taken together, our results revealed that histone lactylation of NCAPD3 promoted proliferation, migration, invasion, and glycolysis through modulating the MEK/ERK/LDHA signaling pathway in LC, which highlights a novel understanding of NCAPD3 in LC.

Personalized treatment decision-making using a machine learning-derived lactylation signature for breast cancer prognosis

Background

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous malignancy with complex molecular characteristics, making accurate prognostication and treatment stratification particularly challenging. Emerging evidence suggests that lactylation, a novel post-translational modification, plays a crucial role in tumor progression and immune modulation.

Methods

To address breast cancer heterogeneity, we developed a machine learning-derived lactylation signature (MLLS) using lactylation-related genes selected through random survival forest (RSF) and univariate Cox regression analyses. A total of 108 algorithmic combinations were applied across multiple datasets to construct and validate the model. Immune microenvironment characteristics were analyzed using multiple immune infiltration algorithms. Computational drug-repurposing analyses were conducted to identify potential therapeutic agents for high-risk patients.

Results

The MLLS effectively stratified patients into low- and high-risk groups with significantly different prognoses. The model demonstrated robust predictive power across multiple cohorts. Immune infiltration analysis revealed that the low-risk group exhibited higher levels of immune checkpoints (e.g., PD-1, PD-L1) and greater infiltration of B cells, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells, suggesting better responsiveness to immunotherapy. In contrast, the high-risk group showed immune suppression features associated with poor prognosis. Methotrexate was computationally predicted as a potential therapeutic candidate for high-risk patients, although experimental validation remains necessary.

Conclusion

The MLLS represents a promising prognostic biomarker and may support personalized treatment strategies in breast cancer, particularly for identifying candidates who may benefit from immunotherapy.

Organoid modeling identifies USP3-AS1 as a novel promoter in colorectal cancer liver metastasis through increasing glucose-driven histone lactylation

Dysregulation of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) is common in colorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRLM). Emerging evidence links lncRNAs to multiple stages of metastasis from initial migration to colonization of distant organs. In this study we investigated the role of lncRNAs in metabolic reprogramming during CRLM using patient-derived organoid (PDO) models. We established five pairs of PDOs from primary tumors and matched liver metastatic lesions, followed by microarray analysis. We found that USP3-AS1 was significantly upregulated in CRLM-derived PDOs compared to primary tumors. High level of USP3-AS1 was positively associated with postoperative liver metastasis and negatively correlated with the prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Overexpression of USP3-AS1 significantly enhanced both sphere formation efficiency and liver metastasis in PDOs. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that USP3-AS1 upregulation significantly enriched glycolysis and MYC signaling pathways. Metabolomics analysis confirmed that USP3-AS1 promoted glycolysis in PDOs, whereas glycolysis inhibition partially attenuated the effects of USP3-AS1 overexpression on PDO growth and liver metastasis. We revealed that USP3-AS1 stabilized MYC via post-translational deubiquitination, thereby promoting glycolysis. We demonstrated that USP3-AS1 increased the stability of USP3 mRNA, resulting in higher USP3 protein expression. The elevated USP3 protein then interacted with MYC and promoted its stability by deubiquitination. The USP3-AS1-MYC-glycolysis regulatory axis modulated liver metastasis by promoting H3K18 lactylation and CDC27 expression in CRC. In conclusion, USP3-AS1 is a novel promoter of CRLM by inducing histone lactylation.

Epigenetic Control of Alveolar Macrophages: Impact on Lung Health and Disease

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are immune cells located in the alveoli-the tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. Their functions are regulated by various epigenetic mechanisms, which are essential for both healthy lung function and disease development. In the lung's microenvironment, AMs play critical roles in immune surveillance, pathogen clearance, and tissue repair. This review examines how epigenetic regulation influences AM functions and their involvement in lung diseases. Key mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, regulate gene expression in response to environmental signals. In healthy lungs, these modifications enable AMs to quickly respond to inhaled threats. However, when these processes malfunction, they could contribute to diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, and pulmonary hypertension. By exploring how epigenetic changes affect AM polarization, plasticity, and immune responses, we can gain deeper insights into their role in lung diseases and open new avenues for treating and preventing respiratory conditions. Ultimately, understanding the epigenetic mechanisms within AMs enhances our knowledge of lung immunology and offers potential for innovative interventions to restore lung health and prevent respiratory diseases.

Warburg effect and lactylation in cancer: mechanisms for chemoresistance

In the clinical management of cancers, the emergence of chemoresistance represents a profound and imperative "pain point" that requires immediate attention. Understanding the mechanisms of chemoresistance is essential for developing effective therapeutic strategies. Importantly, existing studies have demonstrated that glucose metabolic reprogramming, commonly referred to as the Warburg effect or aerobic glycolysis, is a major contributor to chemoresistance. Additionally, lactate, a byproduct of aerobic glycolysis, functions as a signaling molecule that supports lysine lactylation modification of proteins, which also plays a critical role in chemoresistance. However, it is insufficient to discuss the role of glycolysis or lactylation in chemoresistance from a single perspective. The intricate relationship between aerobic glycolysis and lactylation plays a crucial role in promoting chemoresistance. Thus, a thorough elucidation of the mechanisms underlying chemoresistance mediated by aerobic glycolysis and lactylation is essential. This review provides a comprehensive overview of these mechanisms and further outlines that glycolysis and lactylation exert synergistic effects, promoting the development of chemoresistance and creating a positive feedback loop that continues to mediate this resistance. The close link between aerobic glycolysis and lactylation suggests that the application of glycolysis-related drugs or inhibitors in cancer therapy may represent a promising anticancer strategy. Furthermore, the targeted application of lactylation, either alone or in combination with other treatments, may offer new therapeutic avenues for overcoming chemoresistance.

Lactylation-driven USP4-mediated ANXA2 stabilization and activation promotes maintenance and radioresistance of glioblastoma stem cells

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most primary lethal brain cancer, characterized by the presence of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) that initiate and sustain tumor growth and induce radioresistance. Annexin A2 (ANXA2) has been reported to contribute to glioblastoma progression and impart stem cell-like properties to GSCs, however, its post-translational modifications and mechanisms in GSCs maintenance remain poorly understood. Here, we identify that USP4 is preferentially expressed by GSCs in GBM, USP4/ANXA2 supports GSCs maintenance and radioresistance. Specifically, USP4 interacts with ANXA2, stabilizing its protein by deubiquitinating ANXA2, which mediates its proteasomal degradation and Y24 phosphorylation. USP4 directly cleaves Lys48- and Lys63-linked polyubiquitin chains of ANXA2, with the Lys63-linked polyubiquitin chains of ANXA2 K28 mediating its Y24 phosphorylation. Moreover, K10 acetylation of ANXA2 enhances its interaction with USP4. Importantly, USP4/ANXA2 promotes GSCs maintenance and radioresistance by activating BMX-mediated STAT3 activation. H3K18 lactylation is responsible for the upregulation of USP4 in GSCs. Our studies reveal that USP4/ANXA2 plays critical roles in maintaining GSCs and therapeutic resistance, highlighting the importance of lactylation, acetylation, ubiquitination, and phosphorylation as critical post-translational modifications for USP4-mediated stabilization and activity of ANXA2.

Potential of lactylation as a therapeutic target in cancer treatment (Review)

Post‑translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins influence their functionality by altering the structure of precursor proteins. These modifications are closely linked to tumor progression through the regulation of processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and invasion. Tumors produce large amounts of lactic acid through aerobic glycolysis. Lactic acid not only serves an important role in cell metabolism, but also serves an important role in cell communication. Lactylation, a PTM involving lactate and lysine residues as substrates, serves as an epigenetic regulator that modulates intracellular signaling, gene expression and protein function, thereby serving a crucial role in tumorigenesis and progression. The identification of lactylation provides a key breakthrough in elucidating the interaction between tumor metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic modification. The present review primarily summarizes the occurrence of lactylation, its effect on tumor progression, drug resistance, the tumor microenvironment and gut microbiota, and its potential as a therapeutic target for cancer. The aim of the present review was to provide novel strategies for potential cancer therapies.

ABCF1-K430-Lactylation promotes HCC malignant progression via transcriptional activation of HIF1 signaling pathway

Lysine lactylation plays critical roles in various diseases, including cancer. Our previous study showed that lactylation of non-histone ABCF1 may be involved in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. In this study, we evaluated the prognostic value of ABCF1-K430la in HCC using immunohistochemical staining and performed amino acid point mutations, multi-omics crossover, and biochemical experiments to investigate its biological role and underlying mechanism. Additionally, we performed molecular docking on lactylation sites. ABCF1-K430la was highly expressed in HCC tissues and correlated with poor patient prognosis. Functionally, ABCF1-K430la promoted HCC growth and lung metastasis. Mechanistically, upon lactylation, E2 ubiquitin ligase activity of ABCF1 remained unaffected, and ABCF1 entered the nucleus, bound to the KDM3A promoter to upregulate its expression, and activated the KDM3A-H3K9me2-HIF1A axis, challenging the notion that ABCF1 functions exclusively in cytoplasmic protein translation. Notably, we discovered the existence of a lactate-ABCF1(430Kla)-HIF1A-lactate in HCC. A small-molecule drug screen targeting ABCF1-K430la revealed that tubuloside A inhibits ABCF1-K430la and suppresses HCC development. These findings demonstrate that elevated ABCF1-K430la expression promotes HCC development, suggesting it as a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC.

Establishing a Prognostic Model Correlates to Inflammatory Response Pathways for Prostate Cancer via Multiomic Analysis of Lactylation-Related Genes

Prostate cancer (PCa) continues to pose substantial clinical challenges, with molecular heterogeneity significantly impacting therapeutic decision-making and disease trajectories. Emerging evidence implicates protein lactylation-a novel epigenetic regulatory mechanism-in oncogenic processes, though its prognostic relevance in PCa remains underexplored. Through integrative bioinformatics interrogation of lactylation-associated molecular signatures, we established prognostic correlations using multivariable feature selection methodologies. Initial screening via differential expression analysis (limma package) coupled with Cox proportional hazards modeling revealed 11 survival-favorable regulators and 16 hazard-associated elements significantly linked to biochemical recurrence. To enhance predictive precision, ensemble machine learning frameworks were implemented, culminating in a 10-gene lactylation signature demonstrating robust discriminative capacity (concordance index = 0.738) across both primary (TCGA-PRAD) and external validation cohorts (DKFZ). Multivariable regression confirmed the lactylation score's prognostic independence, exhibiting prominent associations with clinicopathological parameters including tumor staging and metastatic potential. The developed clinical-molecular nomogram achieved superior predictive accuracy (C - index > 0.7) through the synergistic integration of biological and clinical covariates. Tumor microenvironment deconvolution uncovered distinct immunological landscapes, with high-risk stratification correlating with enriched stromal infiltration and immunosuppressive phenotypes. Pathway enrichment analyses implicated chromatin remodeling processes and cytokine-mediated inflammatory cascades as potential mechanistic drivers of prognostic divergence. Therapeutic vulnerability profiling demonstrated differential response patterns: low-risk patients exhibited enhanced immune checkpoint inhibitor responsiveness, whereas high-risk subgroups showed selective chemosensitivity to docetaxel and mitoxantrone. Functional validation in PC-3 models revealed AK5 silencing induced proapoptotic effects, suppressed metastatic potential of migration and invasion, and modulated immune checkpoint regulation through CD276 coexpression. These multimodal findings position lactylation dynamics, particularly AK5-mediated pathways, as promising therapeutic targets and stratification biomarkers in PCa management.

Potential role of lactylation in intrinsic immune pathways in lung cancer

Lung cancer, one of the most lethal malignancies, has seen its therapeutic strategies become a focal point of significant scientific attention. Intrinsic immune signaling pathways play crucial roles in anti-tumor immunity but face clinical application challenges despite promising preclinical outcomes. Lactylation, an emerging research focus, may influences lung cancer progression by modulating the functions of histones and non-histone proteins. Recent findings have suggested that lactylation regulates key intrinsic immune molecules, including cGAS-STING, TLR, and RIG-I, thereby impacting interferon expression. However, the precise mechanisms by which lactylation governs intrinsic immune signaling in lung cancer remain unclear. This review presents a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the relationship between lactylation and intrinsic immune signaling pathways in lung cancer and emphasizes the innovative perspective of linking lactylation-mediated epigenetic modifications with immune regulation. By thoroughly examining current research findings, this review uncovers potential regulatory mechanisms and highlights the therapeutic implications of targeting lactylation in lung cancer. Future investigations into the intricate interactions between lactylation and intrinsic immunity are anticipated to unveil novel therapeutic targets and strategies, potentially improving patient survival outcomes.

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.

Integrative single-cell and bulk RNA-seq analysis identifies lactylation-related signature in osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is the most common bone tumor and a highly aggressive malignant neoplasm. This study aims to elucidate the role of lactylation-related genes (LRGs) in osteosarcoma, with the goal of improving prognostic accuracy and enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapy. Using public datasets, we integrated differential and correlated genes based on single-cell sequencing AUCell scores and performed enrichment analysis and risk model construction on these genes. A total of 277 genes were found to be intricately linked with lactate metabolism. Using the uni-Cox and LASSO algorithm, nine key genes were identified, demonstrating strong predictive power for the prognosis of Osteosarcoma patients. Notably, changes were observed at the levels of immune checkpoints, the tumor microenvironment (TME), drug sensitivity, and immune cell infiltration. This study paves the way for targeted drug interventions, thereby opening avenues for improving clinical outcomes in osteosarcoma.

L- and D-Lactate: unveiling their hidden functions in disease and health

Lactate, once considered a mere byproduct of anaerobic metabolism, is now recognized as a critical signaling molecule with diverse roles in physiology and pathology. There are two stereoisomers of lactate: L- and D-lactate. Recent studies have shown that disruptions in these two lactate stereoisomers have distinct effects on health and disease. L-lactate is central to glycolysis and energy transfer through the Cori cycle but also acts as the dominant lactylation isomer induced by glycolysis, influencing metabolism and cell survival. Although less studied, D-lactate is linked to metabolic disorders and plays a role in mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. This review focuses on both L- and D-lactate and examines their biosynthesis, transport, and expanding roles in physiological and pathological processes, particularly their functions in cancer, immune regulation, inflammation, neurodegeneration and other diseases. Finally, we assess the therapeutic prospects of targeting lactate metabolism, highlighting emerging strategies for intervention in clinical settings. Our review synthesizes the current understanding of L- and D-lactate, offering insights into their potential as targets for therapeutic innovation.

Appraising histone H4 lysine 5 lactylation as a novel biomarker in breast cancer

Background Posttranslational modifications of histone lysine (K) have integral connections with cell metabolism, and participate in the carcinogenesis of various cancers. This study focuses on evaluating the expression of histone H4 lys 5 lactylation (H4K5lac) and its clinical role in breast cancer (BC). Methods During this research, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunoblotting, utilizing a specific primary anti-L-lactyl-histone H4 (Lys 5) rabbit monoclonal antibody, were employed to assess H4K5lac expression in BC tissue chips. H4K5lac expression in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of BC patients was investigated through immunoblotting. Results IHC revealed upregulation of histone H4K5lac in both triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and non-TNBC tissues, with positive rate of 91.40% [170/(150 + 19 + 17)] and 93.64% (103/110) in TNBC and non-TNBC tissues, respectively. The expression of H4K5lac demonstrated positive correlations with lymph nodes (%), and Ki-67 expression. Survival analysis indicated a negative correlation between H4K5lac expression and overall survival (OS) time in both TNBC (HR [hazard ratio] = 2.773, 95%CI [confidence interval]: 1.128-6.851, P = 0.0384) and non-TNBC cases (HR = 2.156, 95%CI: 1.011-4.599, P = 0.0275). Furthermore, elevated levels of H4K5lac were observed in the PBMCs of BC cases, and H4K5lac expression is positively correlated with serum lactate and carcinoma embryonic antigen (CEA) levels. Conclusions Histone H4K5lac exhibits increased levels in both BC tissues and PBMCs, suggesting its potential as a promising biomarker for BC. This study might pave the way toward novel lactylation treatment strategies in BC.

A multidimensional approach reveals the function of lactylation related genes in osteoarthritis

As a complex joint disease, osteoarthritis (OA) increasingly affects the elderly. Currently, existing drugs cannot cure OA. There is an urgent need for new targets. Lactylation is closely related to inflammation and is an emerging target in treatment. However, the potential of lactylation-related genes (LRGs) in OA is poorly understood. This study identified differentially expressed lactylation-related genes (DELRGs) through bioinformatics analysis, constructed a model through a combination of various machine learning methods, and performed immune infiltration analysis, single-cell analysis and molecular docking to predict drugs. Mendelian randomization was used to study the causal relationships between eQTLs and the three types of osteoarthritis. Finally, we used RT-qPCR and CCK-8 assays to validate the results of the bioinformatics analysis. We generated a model with good diagnostic efficacy and seven hub genes, which revealed that osteoarthritis is associated with the infiltration of immune cells such as dendritic cells and macrophages, as well as with the cell communication between fibroblasts and macrophages. Azacitidine, with significant docking results, was obtained through seven hub genes. The results of RT-qPCR verified the expression of LRGs and CCK-8 assay indicated that azacitidine can significantly inhibit the proliferation of OA cells. Overall, we established a lactylation-based diagnostic model and obtained novel biomarkers, which are expected to lead to the development of new strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of OA.

Hypoxic and Acidic Tumor Microenvironment-Driven AVL9 Promotes Chemoresistance of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma via the AVL9-IκBα-SKP1 Complex

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Gemcitabine combined with albumin-paclitaxel (AG) is a crucial therapeutic option for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the response to chemotherapy is relatively poor, with rapid development of resistance. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism of resistance to AG and to develop strategies that can sensitize the AG regimen.

METHODS

We used organoid models, patient-derived xenografts, and genetically engineered mouse models in our study. Chromatin immunoprecipitation, double luciferase assay, co-immunoprecipitation, and far-western blotting analysis were performed to investigate the mechanism. The AVL9 inhibitors were identified through protein structure analysis and molecular docking analysis, and their efficacy was verified in patient-derived xenografts, patient-derived organoids-based xenograft, and KPC models.

RESULTS

Through multistrategy screening, we identified AVL9 as a key target for AG resistance in PDAC. Its tumor-promoting effects were confirmed in our clinical cohorts. Mechanistically, HIF-1α, a hypoxia-related transcription factor, drives the expression of AVL9. AVL9 acts as a scaffold that facilitates the binding of IκBα to SKP1, leading to enhanced ubiquitination and degradation of IκBα, which further activates the nuclear factor-κB pathway. The potential AVL9-targeting inhibitor, Edotecarin, was shown to reverse AG chemo-resistance in PDAC.

CONCLUSION

AVL9 expression is driven by HIF-1α in PDAC. The physical interaction of AVL9, IκBα, and SKP1 provides a novel molecular mechanism for the abnormal activation of the nuclear factor-κB pathway. Therefore, the AVL9-targeting drug Edotecarin could be a promising therapeutic strategy for sensitizing PDAC to AG.

The polarization of macrophages participates in the repair after folic acid-induced acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) remains a major public health challenge, posing serious threats to human health. Increasing evidence indicates that renal cells undergo significant metabolic alterations following AKI, with inflammatory responses persisting throughout both injury and repair phases. Our previous research has demonstrated that heightened aerobic glycolysis after AKI leads to increased secretion of metabolic byproducts such as lactate, which plays a critical role in tissue repair. However, the relationship between metabolic reprogramming and inflammatory responses, as well as the underlying mechanisms, remain poorly understood. This study aims to clarify the regulatory effects of the glycolytic byproduct lactate on macrophage activation and phenotypic differentiation following AKI. We observed increased expression of M1/M2 macrophages and elevated secretion of inflammatory cytokines after folic acid-induced AKI. Immunofluorescence staining showed co-localization of macrophages with α-SMA. Manipulating lactate levels post-injury led to a decrease in macrophage expression and a reduction in fibroblast activation and proliferation, ultimately impairing renal tissue repair. These findings suggest that targeting lactate as a key regulator of macrophage phenotype differentiation may provide a theoretical and clinical foundation for therapeutic strategies in AKI repair.

Exosomal lncRNA Mir100hg from lung cancer stem cells activates H3K14 lactylation to enhance metastatic activity in non-stem lung cancer cells

The mean survival of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma is less than 1 year, highlighting the urgent need to understand the mechanisms underlying its high mortality rate. The role of Extracellular vesicles (EVs) in facilitating the interactions between cancer cells and the metastatic microenvironment has garnered increasing attention. Previous studies on the role of EVs in metastasis have been primarily focused on cancer cell-derived EVs in modulating the functions of stromal cells. However, whether cancer stem cells (CSCs) can alter the metastatic properties of non-CSC cells, and whether EV crosstalk can mediate such interaction, have not been demonstrated prior to this report. In the present study, we integrated multi-omics sequencing and public database analysis with experimental validation to demonstrate, for the first time, the exosomal Mir100hg, derived from CSCs, could enhance the metastatic potential of non-CSCs both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, HNRNPF and HNRNPA2B1 directly binds to Mir100hg, facilitating its trafficking via exosomes to non-CSCs. In non-CSCs, Mir100hg upregulates ALDOA expression, subsequently leading to elevated lactate production. Consequently, the increased lactate levels enhance H3K14 lactylation by 2.5-fold and promote the transcription of 169 metastasis-related genes. This cascade of events ultimately results in enhanced ALDOA-driven glycolysis and histone lactylation-mediated metastatic potential of non-CSC lung cancer cells. We have delineated a complex regulatory network utilized by CSCs to transfer their high metastatic activity to non-CSCs through exosomal Mir100hg, providing new mechanistic insights into the communication between these two heterogeneous tumor cell populations. These mechanistic insights provide novel therapeutic targets for metastatic lung cancer, including HNRNPF/HNRNPA2B1-mediated Mir100hg trafficking and the histone lactylation pathway, advancing our understanding of CSC-mediated metastasis while suggesting promising strategies for clinical intervention.

Lactate in skin homeostasis: metabolism, skin barrier, and immunomodulation

Lactate, once considered merely a byproduct of glycolysis, is now increasingly recognized as a multifunctional signaling molecule with roles beyond energy metabolism. It functions as an enzyme cofactor and binds to specific receptors to modulate cellular functions. In the skin, lactate is produced by various cell types. It is then transferred between cells or to the extracellular space, helping to balance cellular pH and to provide signals that regulate skin barrier and skin immunity. Additionally, lactate/lactate-related genes hold promising therapeutic potential for the treatment of skin tumors, inflammatory skin diseases, hair loss, and in cosmetic dermatology. This article highlights the latest advances in our understanding of lactate's biological effects on the skin and explores its therapeutic potential, offering insights into future research directions.

Lactate and lactylation in cancer

Accumulated evidence has implicated the diverse and substantial influence of lactate on cellular differentiation and fate regulation in physiological and pathological settings, particularly in intricate conditions such as cancer. Specifically, lactate has been demonstrated to be pivotal in molding the tumor microenvironment (TME) through its effects on different cell populations. Within tumor cells, lactate impacts cell signaling pathways, augments the lactate shuttle process, boosts resistance to oxidative stress, and contributes to lactylation. In various cellular populations, the interplay between lactate and immune cells governs processes such as cell differentiation, immune response, immune surveillance, and treatment effectiveness. Furthermore, communication between lactate and stromal/endothelial cells supports basal membrane (BM) remodeling, epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMT), metabolic reprogramming, angiogenesis, and drug resistance. Focusing on lactate production and transport, specifically through lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and monocarboxylate transporters (MCT), has shown promise in the treatment of cancer. Inhibitors targeting LDH and MCT act as both tumor suppressors and enhancers of immunotherapy, leading to a synergistic therapeutic effect when combined with immunotherapy. The review underscores the importance of lactate in tumor progression and provides valuable perspectives on potential therapeutic approaches that target the vulnerability of lactate metabolism, highlighting the Heel of Achilles for cancer treatment.

Implication of protein post translational modifications in gastric cancer

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common and highly lethal malignant tumors worldwide, and its occurrence and development are regulated by multiple molecular mechanisms. Post-translational modifications (PTM) common forms include ubiquitylation, phosphorylation, acetylation and methylation. Emerging research has highlighted lactylation and glycosylation. The diverse realm of PTM and PTM crosstalk is linked to many critical signaling events involved in neoplastic transformation, carcinogenesis and metastasis. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the impact of PTM on the occurrence and progression of GC. Specifically, aberrant PTM have been shown to alter the proliferation, migration, and invasion capabilities of GC cells. Moreover, PTM are closely associated with resistance to chemotherapeutic agents in GC. Notably, this review also discusses the phenomenon of PTM crosstalk, highlighting the interactions among PTM and their roles in regulating signaling pathways and protein functions. Therefore, in-depth investigation into the mechanisms of PTM and the development of targeted therapeutic strategies hold promise for advancing early diagnosis, treatment, and prognostic evaluation of GC, offering novel insights and future research directions.

Tanshinone I reprograms glycolysis metabolism to regulate histone H3 lysine 18 lactylation (H3K18la) and inhibits cancer cell growth in ovarian cancer

Salvia miltiorrhiza, the anticancer properties of these components are multifaceted, encompassing the inhibition of tumor growth, prevention of the metastatic spread of cancer cells, enhancement of the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and the suppression of angiogenesis, which is crucial for tumor growth and survival. In the context of our recent study, we have discovered that tanshinone I, one of the active components of Salvia miltiorrhiza, possesses the ability to inhibit the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells, both in laboratory settings and within living organisms. To further understand the molecular mechanisms behind this effect, we conducted a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis. Our findings indicated that tanshinone I exerts its inhibitory action by downregulating the expression of genes associated with glycolysis. Specifically, tanshinone I decreased the expression of glycolysis-related genes such as HK2 (hexokinase 2), PFK (phosphofructokinase), ENO2 (enolase 2), and LDHA (lactate dehydrogenase A). Inhibiting lactate production by tanshinone I application reduced the level of histone H3 lysine 18 lactylation (H3K18la), which reduced the expression of tumor-associated genes, such as TTK, PDGFRβ, YTHDF2 and RUBCNL. In addition, tanshinone I alleviated the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In summary, tanshinone I blocks glycolysis to regulate histone H3 lysine 18 lactylation (H3K18la), which inhibits ovarian cancer cell growth, revealing the anticancer mechanism of tanshinone I.

Mechanisms and strategies of immunosenescence effects on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment: A comprehensive analysis and future directions

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most prevalent form of lung cancer, remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, particularly among elderly individuals. The phenomenon of immunosenescence, characterized by the progressive decline in immune cell functionality with aging, plays a pivotal role in NSCLC progression and contributes to the diminished efficacy of therapeutic interventions in older patients. Immunosenescence manifests through impaired immune surveillance, reduced cytotoxic responses, and increased chronic inflammation, collectively fostering a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the molecular, cellular, and genetic mechanisms of immunosenescence and its impact on immune surveillance and the tumor microenvironment (TME) in NSCLC. We explore how aging affects various immune cells, including T cells, B cells, NK cells, and macrophages, and how these changes compromise the immune system's ability to detect and eliminate tumor cells. Furthermore, we address the challenges posed by immunosenescence to current therapeutic strategies, particularly immunotherapy, which faces significant hurdles in elderly patients due to immune dysfunction. The review highlights emerging technologies, such as single-cell sequencing and CRISPR-Cas9, which offer new insights into immunosenescence and its potential as a therapeutic target. Finally, we outline future research directions, including strategies for rejuvenating the aging immune system and optimizing immunotherapy for older NSCLC patients, with the goal of improving treatment efficacy and survival outcomes. These efforts hold promise for the development of more effective, personalized therapies for elderly patients with NSCLC.

Histone Lactylation-Driven Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 34 Promotes Cisplatin Resistance in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

Ubiquitin-specific protease 34 (USP34) is a deubiquitinase that has been shown to play a critical role in the process of tumor drug-resistance. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of USP34 in cisplatin resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods

Firstly, we analyzed the USP34 levels in cisplatin-sensitive and -resistant patients using The Cancer Genomic Atlas (TCGA) data from Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA2). The cell viability and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) were measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The cell apoptosis of HepG2 and HepG2/DDP cells was detected by annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide (FITC/PI) double staining. The expression levels of USP34, multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1), p-glycoprotein (p-gp), pan-lysine lactylation (Pan-Kla), histone H3 lysine 18 lactylation (H3K18la), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) and lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB) were measured by Western blot. HCC samples from the GEPIA2 database were used to determine the correlation between USP34 with LDHA and LDHB expression.

Results

USP34 was significantly upregulated in cisplatin-resistant HCC tissues and cells. Functional studies found that knockdown of USP34 inhibited HepG2 and HepG2/DDP cell proliferation and survival. Importantly, knockdown of USP34 enhanced cisplatin sensitivity in HepG2 and HepG2/DDP cells. Mechanistically, lactylation of histones promoted the expression level of USP34 in HepG2/DDP cells.

Conclusion

USP34 promotes the progression of HCC by regulating histone lactylation levels and cisplatin resistance in HCC.

Unlocking the multifaceted molecular functions and diverse disease implications of lactylation

In recent years, a significant breakthrough has emerged in biology, the identification of lactylation, a novel post-translational process. This intriguing modification is not limited to a specific class of proteins but occurs across a diverse range, including histones, signalling molecules, enzymes, and substrates. It can exert a broad regulatory role in various diseases, ranging from developmental anomalies and neurodegenerative disorders to inflammation and cancer. Thus, it presents exciting opportunities for exploring innovative treatment approaches. As a result, there has been a recent surge of research interest, leading to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms and regulatory functions underlying lactylation within physiological and pathological processes. Here, we review the detection and molecular mechanisms of lactylation, from biological functions to disease effects, providing a systematic overview of the mechanisms and functions of this post-translational modification.

The role of histone lactylation genes in hepatocellular carcinoma prognostic models and their immune cell infiltration features: a comprehensive analysis of single-cell, spatial transcriptome, Mendelian randomization and experiment

INTRODUCTION

With the increasing impact of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on society, there is an urgent need to propose new HCC diagnostic biomarkers and identification models. Histone lysine lactylation (Kla) affects the prognosis of cancer patients and is an emerging target in cancer treatment. However, the potential of Kla-related genes in HCC is poorly understood.

METHODS

A variety of machine learning methods were used to construct and validate a model of differentially expressed Kla genes with comprehensive evaluations included ROC, Kaplan‒Meier curve, Cox regression, decision curve. Immune infiltration gathered with spatial transcriptome was performed using integrated data from multiple databases. Furthermore, single-cell analysis was used to discover the cell-cell communication and Mendelian randomization was used to study the causal relationships between immune cell and HCC. Lastly, qRT-PCR was used to verify the expression of Kla genes.

RESULTS

We established a model consisting of 12 genes that had well prognostic performance and were identified as independent prognostic factors. Single-cell analysis showed that CD8 T+ cells and conventional dendritic cells were enriched in HCC patients. Spatial transcriptomics analysis indicated that the Kla genes influenced the immune characteristics of HCC. Mendelian randomization results showed that TBNK and monocytes were the main risk factors. qRT-PCR validation results indicated that the expression of multiple genes in Huh7 cells was significantly higher than in LO2 cells.

CONCLUSION

Overall, a Kla-related model was established, which may provide new strategies and insights for the treatment and diagnosis of HCC.

An Evidence-Based Narrative Review of Scleral Hypoxia Theory in Myopia: From Mechanisms to Treatments

Myopia is one of the dominant causes of visual impairment in the world. Pathological myopia could even lead to other serious eye diseases. Researchers have reached a consensus that myopia could be caused by both environmental and genetic risk factors. Exploring the pathological mechanism of myopia can provide a scientific basis for developing measures to delay the progression of myopia or even treat it. Recent advances highlight that scleral hypoxia could be an important factor in promoting myopia. In this review, we summarized the role of scleral hypoxia in the pathology of myopia and also provided interventions for myopia that target scleral hypoxia directly or indirectly. We hope this review will aid in the development of novel therapeutic strategies and drugs for myopia.

Post-translational modifications in drug resistance

Resistance to antitumor drugs, antimicrobial drugs, and antiviral drugs severely limits treatment effectiveness and cure rate of diseases. Protein post-translational modifications (PTMs) represented by glycosylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, palmitoylation, and lactylation are closely related to drug resistance. PTMs are typically achieved by adding sugar chains (glycosylation), small proteins (ubiquitination), lipids (palmitoylation), or functional groups (lactylation) to amino acid residues. These covalent additions are usually the results of signaling cascades and could be reversible, with the triggering mechanisms depending on the type of modifications. PTMs are involved in antitumor drug resistance, not only as inducers of drug resistance but also as targets for reversing drug resistance. Bacteria exhibit multiple PTMs-mediated antimicrobial drug resistance. PTMs allow viral proteins and host cell proteins to form complex interaction networks, inducing complex antiviral drug resistance. This review summarizes the important roles of PTMs in drug resistance, providing new ideas for exploring drug resistance mechanisms, developing new drug targets, and guiding treatment plans.

Lactate and lactylation in gastrointestinal cancer: Current progress and perspectives (Review)

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, which have notable incidence and mortality, are impacted by metabolic reprogramming, especially the increased production and accumulation of lactate. Lactylation, a post‑translational modification driven by lactate, is a crucial regulator of gene expression and cellular function in GI cancer. The present review aimed to examine advancements in understanding lactate and lactylation in GI cancer. The mechanisms of lactate production, its influence on the tumor microenvironment and the clinical implications of lactate levels as potential biomarkers were explored. Furthermore, lactylation was investigated, including its biochemical foundation, primary targets and functional outcomes. The present review underscored potential therapeutic strategies targeting lactate metabolism and lactylation. Challenges and future directions emphasize the potential of lactate and lactylation as innovative therapeutic targets in GI cancer to improve clinical outcomes.

Comprehensive analysis identifies a lactylation-related signature for predicting prognosis and guiding therapies in colon adenocarcinoma

PURPOSE

This study aimed to identify a lactylation-related gene signature for predicting prognosis and guiding therapies in colon adenocarcinoma (COAD). We seek to address the challenges in COAD prognostication due to tumor heterogeneity and variable treatment responses.

METHODS

The study employed integrative bioinformatics analyses on multi-omics data from public databases, including gene expression profiles, clinical data, and lactylation-related genes (LRGs). The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis and Cox risk model were applied to develop a prognostic signature. The predictive capabilities of the signature were assessed in four independent COAD cohorts (GSE39582, GSE71187, GSE75500, and GSE17536). Functional enrichment, immune infiltrations, and scRNA-seq analysis were performed to investigate biological processes and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, functional assays were performed to assess the impact of gene knockdown on COAD cell behavior.

RESULTS

A 3-gene signature (SUSD5, FABP4, CALB2) was identified, demonstrating robust predictive performance for clinical outcomes in COAD patients across multiple cohorts. The signature revealed involvement in critical cancer-related biological processes and showed potential in guiding therapeutic decisions. The bulk RNA-seq and scRNA-seq analysis suggested that LRGs modulates the TME, particularly immune cell populations like mast cells. Knockdown of CALB2 significantly suppressed COAD cell proliferation, invasion, and migration.

CONCLUSION

This comprehensive analysis identified a lactylation-related signature with significant prognostic and therapeutic implications for COAD. The findings highlight the importance of lactylation in COAD biology and offer novel insights for developing personalized treatment strategies, potentially improving patient outcomes in this prevalent malignancy.

Comprehensive analysis of lysine lactylation and its potential biological significance in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a common histological subtype of malignant renal neoplasm. Protein lysine lactylation (Kla) plays a crucial role in tumor metabolic reprogramming. However, little is known regarding the distribution and potential biological functions of Kla in ccRCC. This study aimed to systematically investigate the role of Kla in ccRCC.

METHODS

A total of 12 ccRCC samples were collected from 6 patients. Western blotting was performed to determine the trend of Kla-modified proteins in ccRCC. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantitatively analyze Kla in ccRCC. Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses were conducted to clarify the biological functions and interactional relationships of differentially lactylated proteins (DLPs).

RESULTS

In total, 239 DLPs, including 441 lactylated sites, were identified by comparing ccRCC tissues with adjacent normal tissues. Kla-related enzymes have a higher affinity for alanine than for other amino acid residues in ccRCC. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that most DLPs were localized in the cytoplasm and mitochondria. GO enrichment analysis showed that most of the DLPs were enriched in metabolism-associated biological processes, including the purine ribonucleotide, monocarboxylic acid, ribonucleoside triphosphate, purine nucleoside triphosphate, and ATP metabolic processes. KEGG analysis indicated that most DLPs were also enriched in metabolism-related pathways, including glycolysis, amino acid (valine, leucine, and isoleucine) degradation, pyruvate metabolism, fatty acid degradation, and the citrate cycle. The top 20 hub proteins were screened from the PPI network based on their degree ranks.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed the role of Kla in ccRCC, which will extend our understanding of the potential molecular mechanisms underlying ccRCC formation and progression. These key Kla-modified proteins may be promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of ccRCC. However, further molecular experiments are required to validate these findings.

PFKP Lactylation Promotes the Ovarian Cancer Progression Through Targeting PTEN

Ovarian cancer (OC) ranks among the most prevalent malignancies affecting females globally and is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women. This study sought to elucidate the influence of phosphofructokinase P (PFKP) on the progression of OC. A cohort of sixty OC patients was enrolled. OC cells were exposed to both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Expression levels of PFKP and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) were quantified using real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot analyses. Immunofluorescence confirmed these protein expression patterns. Glycolysis-related parameters, encompassing glucose uptake, extracellular lactate levels, extracellular acidification rates, and oxygen consumption rates, were assessed using commercially available kits. Lactylation status of PFKP was evaluated via immunoprecipitation followed by Western blot analysis. An OC xenograft mouse model was also established. Findings indicated elevated PFKP expression in OC tissues and cells. Additionally, PFKP knockdown attenuated glycolysis and counteracted the hypoxia-induced enhancement of glycolytic activity in OC cells. Mutation of the lysine (K) residue at position 392 diminished PFKP lactylation. Further investigations revealed that PFKP depletion upregulated PTEN expression in hypoxia-treated OC cells. Besides, PTEN suppression increased the glycolysis in hypoxia-treated OC cells. Animal study results demonstrated that PFKP inhibition curtailed OC tumor growth by modulating PTEN expression. Collectively, these results suggested that lactylation of PFKP at the K392 residue promoted glycolysis in OC cells by regulating PTEN, thereby facilitating the disease's progression.

Chromatin accessibility: biological functions, molecular mechanisms and therapeutic application

The dynamic regulation of chromatin accessibility is one of the prominent characteristics of eukaryotic genome. The inaccessible regions are mainly located in heterochromatin, which is multilevel compressed and access restricted. The remaining accessible loci are generally located in the euchromatin, which have less nucleosome occupancy and higher regulatory activity. The opening of chromatin is the most important prerequisite for DNA transcription, replication, and damage repair, which is regulated by genetic, epigenetic, environmental, and other factors, playing a vital role in multiple biological progresses. Currently, based on the susceptibility difference of occupied or free DNA to enzymatic cleavage, solubility, methylation, and transposition, there are many methods to detect chromatin accessibility both in bulk and single-cell level. Through combining with high-throughput sequencing, the genome-wide chromatin accessibility landscape of many tissues and cells types also have been constructed. The chromatin accessibility feature is distinct in different tissues and biological states. Research on the regulation network of chromatin accessibility is crucial for uncovering the secret of various biological processes. In this review, we comprehensively introduced the major functions and mechanisms of chromatin accessibility variation in different physiological and pathological processes, meanwhile, the targeted therapies based on chromatin dynamics regulation are also summarized.

The Role of HDAC6 in Glioblastoma Multiforme: A New Avenue to Therapeutic Interventions?

Despite the great advances in basic research results, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) still remains an incurable tumour. To date, a GBM diagnosis is a death sentence within 15-18 months, due to the high recurrence rate and resistance to conventional radio- and chemotherapy approaches. The effort the scientific community is lavishing on the never-ending battle against GBM is reflected by the huge number of clinical trials launched, about 2003 on 10 September 2024. However, we are still far from both an in-depth comprehension of the biological and molecular processes leading to GBM onset and progression and, importantly, a cure. GBM is provided with high intratumoral heterogeneity, immunosuppressive capacity, and infiltrative ability due to neoangiogenesis. These features impact both tumour aggressiveness and therapeutic vulnerability, which is further limited by the presence in the tumour core of niches of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) that are responsible for the relapse of this brain neoplasm. Epigenetic alterations may both drive and develop along GBM progression and also rely on changes in the expression of the genes encoding histone-modifying enzymes, including histone deacetylases (HDACs). Among them, HDAC6-a cytoplasmic HDAC-has recently gained attention because of its role in modulating several biological aspects of GBM, including DNA repair ability, massive growth, radio- and chemoresistance, and de-differentiation through primary cilia disruption. In this review article, the available information related to HDAC6 function in GBM will be presented, with the aim of proposing its inhibition as a valuable therapeutic route for this deadly brain tumour.

Hepatic stellate cells promote hepatocellular carcinoma development by regulating histone lactylation: Novel insights from single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics analyses

This study evaluated the cellular heterogeneity and molecular mechanisms of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), transcriptomic data, histone lactylation-related genes were collected from public databases. Cell-cell interaction, trajectory, pathway, and spatial transcriptome analyses were executed. Differential expression and survival analyses were conducted. Western blot, Real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), and Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8) assay were used to detect the expression of αSMA, AKR1B10 and its target genes, and verify the roles of AKR1B10 in HCC cells. Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) subgroups strongly interacted with tumor cell subgroups, and their spatial distribution was heterogeneous. Two candidate prognostic genes (AKR1B10 and RMRP) were obtained. LONP1, NPIPB3, and ZSWIM6 were determined as AKR1B10 targets. Besides, the expression levels of AKR1B10 and αSMA were significantly increased in LX-2 + HepG2 and LX-2 + HuH7 groups compared to those in LX-2 group, respectively. sh-AKR1B10 significantly inhibited the HCC cell proliferation and change the expression of AKR1B10 target genes, Bcl-2, Bax, Pan Kla, and H3K18la at protein levels. Our findings unveil the pivotal role of HSCs in HCC pathogenesis through regulating histone lactylation.

ADAMTS4 exacerbates lung cancer progression via regulating c-Myc protein stability and activating MAPK signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is one of the most frequent cancers and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide with poor prognosis. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4 (ADAMTS4) is crucial in the regulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), impacting its formation, homeostasis and remodeling, and has been linked to cancer progression. However, the specific involvement of ADAMTS4 in the development of lung cancer remains unclear.

METHODS

ADAMTS4 expression was identified in human lung cancer samples by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and the correlation of ADAMTS4 with clinical outcome was determined. The functional impact of ADAMTS4 on malignant phenotypes of lung cancer cells was explored both in vitro and in vivo. The mechanisms underlying ADAMTS4-mediated lung cancer progression were explored by ubiquitination-related assays.

RESULTS

Our study revealed a significant upregulation of ADAMTS4 at the protein level in lung cancer tissues compared to para-carcinoma normal tissues. High ADAMTS4 expression inversely correlated with the prognosis of lung cancer patients. Knockdown of ADAMTS4 inhibited the proliferation and migration of lung cancer cells, as well as the tubule formation of HUVECs, while ADAMTS4 overexpression exerted opposite effects. Mechanistically, we found that ADAMTS4 stabilized c-Myc by inhibiting its ubiquitination, thereby promoting the in vitro and in vivo growth of lung cancer cells and inducing HUVECs tubule formation in lung cancer. In addition, our results suggested that ADAMTS4 overexpression activated MAPK signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

We highlighted the promoting role of ADAMTS4 in lung cancer progression and proposed ADAMTS4 as a promising therapeutic target for lung cancer patients.

Lactylation of nuclear receptor coactivator 4 promotes ferritinophagy and glycolysis of neuronal cells after cerebral ischemic injury

Ischemic stroke remains a major cause of disability and mortality. Nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4)-mediated ferritinophagy is involved in cerebral ischemic injury. Additionally, lactylation regulates the progression of ischemia injury. This study aimed to investigate the impact of NCOA4 on ferritinophagy and glycolysis of hippocampal neuron cells and its lactylation modification. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse and oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-treated HT22 cell models were generated. Ferritinophagy was evaluated via detecting ferrous iron (Fe 2+ ), glutathione, malondialdehyde, and protein levels. Glycolysis was assessed by examining the glucose consumption, lactate production, and extracellular acidification rate. The lactylation was evaluated using immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting. Brain injury in vivo was analyzed by measuring brain infarct and neurological function. The results showed that NCOA4 expression was increased in the blood of patients with acute ischemia stroke, the peri-infarct region of the brain in MCAO mice (increased percentage: 142.11%) and OGD-treated cells (increased percentage: 114.70%). Knockdown of NCOA4 inhibited ferritinophagy and glycolysis of HT22 cells induced by OGD. Moreover, OGD promoted the lactylation of NCOA4 at lysine (K)450 sites, which enhanced NCOA4 protein stability. Additionally, interfering with NCOA4 attenuated brain infarction and neurological dysfunction in MCAO mice. Lactylation of NCOA4 at K450 sites promotes ferritinophagy and glycolysis of hippocampal neuron cells, thereby accelerating cerebral ischemic injury. These findings suggest a novel pathogenesis of ischemic stroke.

Replenishment of TCA cycle intermediates and long-noncoding RNAs regulation in breast cancer

The tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle is an essential interface that coordinates cellular metabolism and is as a primary route determining the fate of a variety of fuel sources, including glucose, fatty acid and glutamate. The crosstalk of nutrients replenished TCA cycle regulates breast cancer (BC) progression by changing substrate levels-induced epigenetic alterations, especially the methylation, acetylation, succinylation and lactylation. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) have dual roles in inhibiting or promoting energy reprogramming, and so altering the metabolic flux of fuel sources to the TCA cycle, which may regulate epigenetic modifications at the cellular level of BC. This narrative review discussed the central role of the TCA cycle in interconnecting numerous fuels and the induced epigenetic modifications, and the underlying regulatory mechanisms of lncRNAs in BC.

Identification of lysine lactylation (kla)-related lncRNA signatures using XGBoost to predict prognosis and immune microenvironment in breast cancer patients

Breast cancer (BC) stands as a predominant global malignancy, significantly contributing to female mortality. Recently uncovered, histone lysine lactylation (kla) has assumed a crucial role in cancer progression. However, the correlation with lncRNAs remains ambiguous. Scrutinizing lncRNAs associated with Kla not only improves clinical breast cancer management but also establishes a groundwork for antitumor drug development. We procured breast tissue samples, encompassing both normal and cancerous specimens, from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Utilizing Cox regression and XGBoost methods, we developed a prognostic model using identified kla-related lncRNAs. The model's predictive efficacy underwent validation across training, testing, and the overall cohort. Functional analysis concerning kla-related lncRNAs ensued. We identified and screened 8 kla-related lncRNAs to formulate the risk model. Pathway analysis disclosed the connection between immune-related pathways and the risk model of kla-related lncRNAs. Significantly, the risk scores exhibited a correlation with both immune cell infiltration and immune function, indicating a clear association. Noteworthy is the observation that patients with elevated risk scores demonstrated an increased tumor mutation burden (TMB) and decreased tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) scores, suggesting heightened responses to immune checkpoint blockade. Our study uncovers a potential link between Kla-related lncRNAs and BC, providing innovative therapeutic guidelines for BC management.

The pyruvate dehydrogenase complex at the epigenetic crossroads of acetylation and lactylation

The pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) is remarkable for its size and structure as well as for its physiological and pathological importance. Its canonical location is in the mitochondrial matrix, where it primes the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle by decarboxylating glycolytically-derived pyruvate to acetyl-CoA. Less well appreciated is its role in helping to shape the epigenetic landscape, from early development throughout mammalian life by its ability to "moonlight" in the nucleus, with major repercussions for human healthspan and lifespan. The PDC's influence on two crucial modifiers of the epigenome, acetylation and lactylation, is the focus of this brief review.

Histone lactylation dynamics: Unlocking the triad of metabolism, epigenetics, and immune regulation in metastatic cascade of pancreatic cancer

Cancer cells rewire metabolism to sculpt the immune tumor microenvironment (TME) and propel tumor advancement, which intricately tied to post-translational modifications. Histone lactylation has emerged as a novel player in modulating protein functions, whereas little is known about its pathological role in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) progression. Employing a multi-omics approach encompassing bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, metabolomics, ATAC-seq, and CUT&Tag methodologies, we unveiled the potential of histone lactylation in prognostic prediction, patient stratification and TME characterization. Notably, "LDHA-H4K12la-immuno-genes" axis has introduced a novel node into the regulatory framework of "metabolism-epigenetics-immunity," shedding new light on the landscape of PDAC progression. Furthermore, the heightened interplay between cancer cells and immune counterparts via Nectin-2 in liver metastasis with elevated HLS unraveled a positive feedback loop in driving immune evasion. Simultaneously, immune cells exhibited altered HLS and autonomous functionality across the metastatic cascade. Consequently, the exploration of innovative combination strategies targeting the metabolism-epigenetics-immunity axis holds promise in curbing distant metastasis and improving survival prospects for individuals grappling with challenges of PDAC.

Advances in the interaction of glycolytic reprogramming with lactylation

Lactylation is a novel post-translational modification (PTM) involving proteins that is induced by lactate accumulation. Histone lysine lactylation alters chromatin spatial configuration, influencing gene transcription and regulating the expression of associated genes. This modification plays a crucial role as an epigenetic regulatory factor in the progression of various diseases. Glycolytic reprogramming is one of the most extensively studied forms of metabolic reprogramming, recognized as a key hallmark of cancer cells. It is characterized by an increase in glycolysis and the inhibition of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, accompanied by significant lactate production and accumulation. The two processes are closely linked by lactate, which interacts in various physiological and pathological processes. On the one hand, lactylation levels generally correlate positively with the extent of glycolytic reprogramming, being directly influenced by the lactate concentration produced during glycolytic reprogramming. On the other hand, lactylation can also regulate glycolytic pathways by affecting the transcription and structural functions of essential glycolytic enzymes. This review comprehensively outlines the mechanisms of lactylation and glycolytic reprogramming and their interactions in tumor progression, immunity, and inflammation, with the aim of elucidating the relationship between glycolytic reprogramming and lactylation.