Work

Lactylation: the malignant playbook of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and their roadmap to therapy resistance

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant global health issue, characterized by a high mortality rate closely linked to treatment resistance and late-stage diagnosis. Lactylation, a distinctive post-translational modification linking cellular metabolism and epigenetics, has recently attracted significant attention due to its potential role in HCC. This review aims to systematically elucidate how lactylation facilitates the malignant progression of HCC through many mechanisms, including regulation of cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis, immune response, and stem cell properties. It examines its role in immunotherapy and resistance to targeted therapy in greater depth. The essay succinctly evaluates the therapeutic promise and translational challenges of targeting lactylation, offering a resource for future study.

Source: Frontiers in Immunology

DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1752404

Authors: Shuang Li, Xiaoyu Lu, Lu Zhang

Institution: Zhejiang Chinese Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Cancer, Hypoxia, and Metabolism

Subfield: Cancer Research

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801