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Updated: Apr 12, 2026

Site-Specific Lysine Lactylation via Genetic Code Expansion in E. coli and Mammalian Cells
Published on: February 24, 2026
Lactic dehydrogenase and cancer: an overview
Monica Gallo, Luigi Sapio, Annamaria Spina1
1Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Second University of Naples, Medical School, Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy.
New cancer treatments are needed as many tumors remain difficult to treat. Targeting lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), an enzyme involved in cancer's altered metabolism (Warburg effect), offers a promising therapeutic strategy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Metabolic pathways
Background:
- Cancer is a complex disease characterized by metabolic reprogramming.
- Tumor cells often exhibit increased aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect), a phenomenon linked to growth and survival.
- Existing cancer treatments face limitations, necessitating novel therapeutic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in cancer.
- To explore the potential of LDH as a diagnostic marker.
- To evaluate LDH as a molecular target for novel anticancer strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific studies on cancer metabolism and LDH.
- Analysis of the role of LDH in aerobic glycolysis and tumor progression.
- Evaluation of LDH as a therapeutic target and diagnostic marker.
Main Results:
- Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) plays a crucial role in the Warburg effect observed in many cancers.
- LDH is implicated in tumor cell growth, survival, and metabolic adaptation.
- The correlation between aerobic glycolysis and cancer provides a basis for developing new therapies targeting LDH.
Conclusions:
- Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a significant enzyme in cancer metabolism.
- LDH presents potential as both a diagnostic biomarker and a therapeutic target in oncology.
- Targeting LDH offers a promising avenue for developing innovative cancer treatment and management strategies.
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