Histone H3K18 lactylation-dependent epigenetic activation of RUNX2 orchestrates PI3K/AKT oncogenic signaling in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Despite evidence linking histone lactylation to tumorigenesis, its specific regulatory role in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is still not well defined. Histone H3K18 lactylation (H3K18la) levels in LSCC tissues were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and western blot, showing significantly higher levels than non-tumor tissues. Treatment with the sodium oxamate (SO) effectively reduced H3K18la level, thereby suppressing LSCC cell proliferation and migration while inducing apoptosis. Mechanistically, H3K18la upregulated Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) expression, which in turn activated the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway to promote aggressive LSCC phenotypes. Our findings demonstrate that H3K18la facilitates LSCC progression by enhancing malignant cellular behaviors, thereby offering potential therapeutic targets for LSCC intervention.