Understanding the epigenetic regulation of lactylation and aberrant lactate metabolism in cancer: From mechanisms to therapeutic strategies (Review).

Authors

Xiaoli Zheng, Jiayi Zhang, Chengwei Mao, Yingxue Si, Chengcheng Chi, Tingting Xiong, Mengjie Gu, Chunyan Zhang, Haiying Han, Yangling Li, Chong Zhang

Published in

International journal of oncology. Volume 69. Issue 2. Epub Jun 26, 2026.

Abstract

Tumor metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of cancer, supporting adaptation to hostile microenvironments and sustained malignancy. Among these changes, abnormal lactate metabolism is central to tumor progression, immune evasion and therapy resistance. Lactate, once considered a mere glycolytic byproduct, also acts as a signaling molecule influencing cancer behavior. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA/RNA methylation, histone modifications and non‑coding RNAs, serve key roles in regulating lactate metabolism. Notably, lactylation, a novel post‑translational modification, links lactate metabolism with epigenetic control. The present review outlines the molecular basis of lactate dysregulation, its epigenetic control and its biological impact on cancer, and highlights emerging therapeutic strategies targeting lactate metabolism.

PMID:
42359706
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 15 Sep 2026.

Read full publication at:
Please sign in to see all details.

Stats

1-terrible, 9-excellent. How would you rate this publication? Sign in in to submit your rating.

Post a comment

You need to be signed in to post comments. You can sign in here.

Comments

There are no comments yet.