What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to uncover the epigenetic mechanisms by which lactate influences kidney damage in acute kidney injury.

February 2, 2026Open Access

Lactate promotes cuproptosis in acute kidney injury by activating H3K18 lactylation-dependent upregulation of HSPA6 expression

Key Points

This research aims to uncover the epigenetic mechanisms by which lactate influences kidney damage in acute kidney injury.
Investigation of lactate's role in AKI
Analysis of H3K18 lactylation levels
Assessment of HSPA6 expression
Evaluation of cuproptosis markers
Lactate triggers H3K18 lactylation, enhancing HSPA6 expression
Cuproptosis is promoted, leading to increased renal damage
The lactate-H3K18la-HSPA6 pathway presents a new therapeutic target for AKI

Abstract

The present study unveils a previously unidentified epigenetic pathway in AKI, whereby lactate-driven H3K18 lactylation transcriptionally activates HSPA6, consequently promoting cuproptosis and exacerbating renal damage. The "lactate-H3K18la-HSPA6" axis has been identified as a promising new target for therapeutic intervention in AKI.

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Cite This Study

Sui et al. (Thu,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6980fc91c1c9540dea80e630 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2026.124244

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