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Lactate Drives Cancer Growth: New Inhibitor Shows Promise

1/15/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Lactate promotes cancer progression by activating the MAPK pathway through ERK lactylation.
The enzyme GCN5 is identified as the lactyltransferase that modifies ERK, creating a positive feedback loop.
Researchers developed a cell-penetrating peptide that inhibits ERK lactylation, reducing tumor growth in KRAS-mutant models.
The results highlight lactate-driven metabolic signaling as a therapeutic target for cancer.

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Story summary

Lactate promotes cancer progression by activating the MAPK pathway through ERK lactylation.
The enzyme GCN5 is identified as the lactyltransferase that modifies ERK, creating a positive feedback loop.
Researchers developed a cell-penetrating peptide that inhibits ERK lactylation, reducing tumor growth in KRAS-mutant models.
The results highlight lactate-driven metabolic signaling as a therapeutic target for cancer.