The metabolic-epigenetic interface: lysine succinylation orchestrates bidirectional crosstalk in neurodegenerative disorders
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Succinylation, a nexus between metabolism and epigenetic regulation, is a central factor in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Research has demonstrated a close association between NDDs and neuronal metabolic disorders. Succinylation regulates the interaction between energy metabolism and epigenetic networks, establishing the pathological mechanism of "metabolic-epigenetic bidirectional regulation." In metabolic stress, such as mitochondrial dysfunction or enhanced glycolysis, succinyl-CoA increases, causing uncontrolled succinylation. These modifications impair the function of proteins associated with synaptic plasticity, leading to disorders in synaptic transmission and neuronal damage. Concurrently, succinylation regulates the activity of enzymes involved in DNA methylation and epigenetic reprogramming, impairing neuronal recovery and creating a vicious cycle. This regulatory network displays bidirectional self-reinforcing characteristics. Metabolic disorders influence epigenetic states through succinylation. Epigenetic abnormalities inhibit the transcription of genes associated with mitochondrial metabolism, exacerbating energy metabolism defects and oxidative stress. This leads to irreversible degenerative changes in neurons. At the therapeutic level, targeting succinylation can disrupt the metabolic-epigenetic pathological loop and restore synaptic function. In short, understanding how succinylation is regulated may lead to new treatment options for neurodegenerative diseases.
Source: Frontiers in Neurology
Authors: Fanglei Chai, Chong Liu, Yandong Liu, Wei Zou
Language: English
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W4417349889