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Updated: May 28, 2026

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Site-Specific Lysine Lactylation via Genetic Code Expansion in E. coli and Mammalian Cells
Published on: February 24, 2026
Lactylation in Colorectal Cancer: Regulatory Networks, Functional Mechanisms, and Clinical Translational Potential
Diao Wei1,2,3, Min Zhang1,2,3, Tianyu Lei2,3
1Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 99 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan 430060, China.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|May 27, 2026
Summary
Protein lactylation, a key metabolic regulator in colorectal cancer (CRC), drives tumor progression and therapy resistance. Understanding lactylation
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Metabolic Regulation
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Protein lactylation, a post-translational modification driven by lactate, is crucial in colorectal cancer (CRC).
- The CRC microenvironment, influenced by the Warburg effect and microbial metabolism, provides substrates for lactylation.
- Lactylation interacts with other modifications like acetylation and ubiquitination, impacting cellular functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the regulatory networks and biological functions of lactylation in CRC.
- To elucidate mechanisms of therapy resistance conferred by lactylation.
- To discuss the clinical potential of lactylation as a biomarker and therapeutic target.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on protein lactylation in CRC.
- Analysis of regulatory enzymes (Writers and Erasers) involved in lactylation.
- Examination of lactylation's functional roles in tumor progression and treatment resistance.
Main Results:
- Lactylation drives CRC proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and remodels the tumor microenvironment.
- It confers resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
- Lactylation enhances DNA damage repair and activates autophagy, contributing to ferroptosis defense.
Conclusions:
- Lactylation is a critical factor in CRC pathogenesis and therapeutic resistance.
- Targeting lactylation pathways offers potential for novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in CRC.
- Further research is needed to translate these findings into clinical applications for CRC treatment.
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