Objective:

To summarize recent advances in lactylation research in skin diseases and explore its potential as a therapeutic target.

Approach:

• Lactylation Mechanism: Lactylation involves the transfer of a lactyl group from lactyl coenzyme A to lysine residues on proteins, linking cellular metabolism to epigenetic regulation and influencing gene transcription.
• Role in Skin Diseases: The review explores the role of lactylation in various skin diseases, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, pathologic scars, and melanoma, highlighting its involvement in immune-inflammatory processes.
• Therapeutic Potential: Lactylation-related inhibitors have shown therapeutic potential in cancer, metabolic, and immunological fields, warranting further investigation in dermatological applications.

Key Findings:

• Lactate serves as a significant energy source and regulatory factor in biological processes, influencing immune responses and gene expression.
• Lactylation is linked to the pathogenesis of multiple skin diseases, particularly autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, with emerging evidence supporting its role.
• Direct evidence for lactylation as a pathogenic driver in skin diseases is still emerging, indicating a need for further research.

Interpretation:

Lactylation represents a novel post-translational modification that may serve as a therapeutic target for skin disorders.

Limitations:

• Direct evidence for lactylation's role in skin disease pathogenesis is still limited, which may hinder the development of targeted therapies.
• The functional roles of identified lactylation sites remain largely unknown, necessitating further investigation.

Conclusion:

Lactate-mediated lactylation may emerge as a novel therapeutic intervention target for skin disorders.