Lactate Signaling and Lactylation in Retina: From Physiological Warburg Effect to Pathological Metabolic...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Neuroscience
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Lactate is a multifunctional metabolite involved in energy, signaling, and epigenetics.
• The retina's high energy demand and complex structure highlight lactate's importance in visual processing.
• Metabolic crosstalk among retinal cells (photoreceptors, Müller glia, RPE, etc.) is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on lactate signaling and lactylation in the retina.
• To examine the role of dysregulated lactate in retinal diseases.
• To discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting lactate metabolism.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing recent advances in lactate signaling and lactylation.
• Analysis of the contribution of metabolic dysregulation to retinal pathologies.
• Discussion of therapeutic interventions based on metabolic insights.

Main Results:

• Lactate plays key roles in energy redistribution, intercellular communication, and signaling within the retina.
• Dysregulation of lactate signaling and lactylation is implicated in diabetic retinopathy, AMD, uveitis, and glaucoma.
• Targeting lactate signaling and lactylation presents potential therapeutic strategies for retinal disorders.

Conclusions:

• Lactate signaling and lactylation are central to retinal physiology and pathology.
• Restoring retinal lactate homeostasis through metabolic interventions is a promising therapeutic goal.
• This review provides a framework for developing novel treatments for retinal diseases.