Lysine succinylation: a review of its impacts on the reproductive function and related disease

Lysine succinylation is a recently identified post-translational modification of proteins that has been demonstrated to play critical roles in various biological activities. In recent years, research on succinylation has progressed considerably in the context of reproductive biology and associated diseases, underscoring the importance of a comprehensive review on this topic. A key mechanism underlying succinylation involves changes in the activity of succinyltransferases and desuccinylases, which in turn regulate alterations in the succinylation level of target proteins, and thereby influence multiple cellular functions. Current studies have indicated that cellular succinylation levels are closely associated with both normal reproductive functions and related pathologies. For instance, elevated succinylation has been linked to impaired ovarian endocrine activity and the progression of cancers such as breast and ovarian cancer. The male reproductive system is involved in regulating spermatogenesis and has been associated with conditions including prostate and testicular cancer. Furthermore, diminished succinylation has been shown to disrupt the replacement of transition proteins in elongating spermatids and alter the distribution of germ cells within seminiferous tubules, indicating its essential role in male reproductive health. This review aims to provide a systematic overview of the fundamental characteristics of lysine succinylation and to elucidate its diverse functions within various aspects of the reproductive system, integrating recent advances to present a balanced perspective on both the physiological and pathological significance.