Lactylation: A new direction for tumor-targeted therapy

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Cancer Biology

Background:

• Lactate, a product of glycolysis, acts as a signaling mediator influencing cell fate and tumor progression.
• Protein lactylation, a novel lactate-driven post-translational modification, is reshaping the understanding of lactate's role in the tumor microenvironment (TME).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the mechanisms of protein lactylation, including "writers" and "erasers".
• To highlight the physiological significance and pathological functions of lactylation.
• To explore the potential of targeting lactylation for cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent findings on protein lactylation.
• Analysis of the role of lactylation in tumor cells, cancer stem cells, and immune cells.
• Discussion of "writers" and "erasers" involved in the lactylation process.

Main Results:

• Protein lactylation modulates transcriptional activities in various cells within the TME.
• Lactylation influences tumor initiation, progression, and immune evasion.
• Identification of key enzymes responsible for lactylation and its reversal.

Conclusions:

• Lactylation represents a critical link between metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic regulation in cancer.
• Targeting protein lactylation presents a promising avenue for novel cancer therapeutic strategies.
• Further research into lactylation mechanisms and functions is scientifically significant.