The Multiple Roles of Lactate in the Skeletal Muscle

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Lactate, traditionally viewed as a metabolic byproduct, possesses significant metabolic and signaling functions.
• Recent research highlights lactate's novel role as an epigenetic modulator, influencing gene transcription and chromatin state.
• The lactate oxidation complex within mitochondria and its interaction with GPR81 receptors are key to its signaling pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the multifaceted roles of lactate in skeletal muscle.
• To explore lactate's functions in both healthy and pathological muscle conditions.
• To elucidate lactate's influence on muscle regeneration via satellite cell modulation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of biochemical and molecular studies on lactate.
• Analysis of research on lactate's metabolic pathways, including the Cori cycle.
• Examination of studies investigating lactate's epigenetic and signaling mechanisms.

Main Results:

• Lactate participates in the Cori cycle, serving as a gluconeogenic precursor in the liver.
• Lactate binding to GPR81 receptors initiates cellular signaling cascades.
• Lactate directly modulates chromatin and gene transcription by interacting with histones.

Conclusions:

• Lactate is a key molecule with diverse roles beyond simple metabolism.
• Understanding lactate's epigenetic and signaling functions is crucial for muscle health.
• Lactate directly influences muscle regeneration by acting on satellite cells, offering therapeutic potential.