Lactylation in radiosensitivity regulation: Mechanistic insights and recent advances

Lactylation, as a novel post-translational modification, has gained a lot of attention in the biomedical field in recent years. Lactylation is not only related to cellular metabolism but also increasingly prominent in the tumor microenvironment, particularly in regulating radiation sensitivity. This review aims to explore the potential connection between lactylation modification and the regulation of radiation sensitivity. Current research shows that lactylation might be crucial in how tumor cells respond to radiotherapy by influencing energy metabolism, gene expression, and cell signaling. However, despite preliminary studies revealing the association between lactylation and radiation sensitivity, the understanding of its specific mechanisms remains insufficient, necessitating more systematic research to elucidate this process. Therefore, by analyzing the biological basis of lactylation modification, its role in tumor metabolism, and its relationship with radiotherapy, we summarize the importance and application prospects of lactylation in tumor treatment, providing direction for future research.