Mapping the intellectual landscape of lactylation research: a bibliometric analysis of global trends and emerging frontiers
Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Background: Lactylation is an emerging post-translational modification (PTM) that links lactate metabolism with epigenetic and protein-level regulation. The rapid expansion of this field has created a need for a systematic overview of its knowledge structure and research frontiers. Methods: We retrieved 1,231 English articles and reviews from the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus up to 7 November 2025. Excel, CiteSpace, VOSviewer, and Bibliometrix were used to analyze publication trends, collaboration networks, influential contributors, co-cited references, and keyword evolution. Results: were prominent publication venues, and authors including Xu K, Zhao YM, Huang H, and Zhang D showed high bibliometric visibility. Co-citation and keyword analyses identified two major research axes: lactylation in cancer biology, tumor immune regulation, and therapy resistance; and lactylation in metabolic reprogramming and disease-associated stress responses. Conclusion: Lactylation research is moving from site discovery toward mechanistic studies of pathophysiological regulation. The present bibliometric map provides a quantitative framework for understanding the field, while emphasizing that current translational claims remain largely preclinical and require further mechanistic and biomarker validation.
Source: Frontiers in Pharmacology
Language: English
Subfield: Library and Information Sciences
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7221051387