Lactylation and Ischemic Stroke: Research Progress and Potential Relationship

Ischemic stroke is caused by interrupted cerebral blood flow and is a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide. Significant advancements have been achieved in comprehending the pathophysiology of stroke and the fundamental mechanisms responsible for ischemic damage. Lactylation, as a newly discovered post-translational modification, has been reported to participate in several physiological and pathological processes. However, research on lactylation and ischemic stroke is scarce. This review summarized the current function of protein lactylation in other diseases or normal physiological processes and explored their potential link with the pathophysiological process and the reparative mechanism of ischemic stroke. We proposed that neuroinflammation, regulation of metabolism, regulation of messenger RNA translation, angiogenesis, and neurogenesis might be the bridge linking lactylation and ischemic stroke. Our study provided a novel perspective for comprehending the role of protein lactylation in the pathophysiological processes underlying ischemic stroke. Lactylation might be a promising target in drug development of ischemic stroke.