Gene regulation mediated by lactate, a metabolic product accumulated in cancer cells

A new study published in the journal Nature reports the discovery of a new mechanism of gene regulation mediated by lactate, a metabolic product accumulated in cancer cells. The researchers show that histones are lactylated in the presence of lactate.

Cancer cells are known to use a lot of glucose to produce energy. Glucose break down to molecules called pyruvate by a process called glycolysis. In normal cells pyruvate enters mitochondria, gets oxidized and generate more energy. This energy is produced in a storage form called ATP. The oxidation of pyruvate and production of energy in mitochondria require oxygen.

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