Metabolic reprogramming regulates histone lactylation during zebrafish caudal fin regeneration

Tissue regeneration relies on precise molecular mechanisms controlling cell-fate transitions, with metabolism emerging as a key regulator. Lactate-derived histone lactylation has recently been identified as an epigenetic modification regulating gene expression across various biological processes. Here, we report an increase in global histone lactylation in the mesenchyme and osteoblasts of the zebrafish caudal fin during early regeneration. Our findings demonstrate that this epigenetic modification is functionally regulated by increased lactate levels, while the inhibition of glycolysis and lactate production significantly reduces histone lactylation. Transcriptomic profiling under reduced lactylation revealed the downregulation of proliferative and chromatin-remodeling programs. This suggests a model in which injury-induced, lactate-driven histone lactylation sustains chromatin accessibility and promotes proliferative transcription during early regeneration, potentially modulating gene expression essential for cell plasticity and proliferation. This study identifies histone lactylation as a metabolic-epigenetic regulator of regenerative programs, providing mechanistic insights for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to enhance tissue repair.