Histone Lactylation As An Epigenetic Regulator In Alzheimer’S Disease Pathophysiology: A Narrative Review
Our bodies have intricate ways of controlling how our genes are expressed, which can impact our health. One fascinating area of research involves “epigenetic regulators,” which are mechanisms that turn genes on or off without changing the underlying DNA sequence. Recently, scientists have been exploring a new type of these regulators called “lactylation.”
Lactylation is a process where a molecule called lactate, often associated with muscle fatigue, attaches to proteins, particularly those called “histones.” Histones are like spools around which our DNA is wound, and modifications to them can dictate which genes are accessible and active. This new research suggests that lactylation plays a crucial role in Alzheimer’s disease.
In Alzheimer’s, the brain experiences issues like inflammation and the buildup of abnormal protein clumps called amyloid-beta plaques. Studies indicate that when histones undergo lactylation at specific points, it can fuel brain inflammation and activate certain immune cells in the brain, known as microglia. This process appears to contribute to the disease’s progression and the accumulation of those harmful amyloid-beta proteins.
Understanding how lactylation works in the brain could open up exciting new avenues for treating Alzheimer’s disease. By targeting this specific epigenetic modification, researchers hope to develop novel therapies or identify new markers to diagnose and monitor the disease more effectively.
Source: link to paper