Histone lactylation helps maintain blood-forming stem and progenitor cells
Published in Biology, Journals.
Published November 1, 2026.
A study published in Nature Communications on October 31 examines how lactate-linked modifications of histone proteins influence blood-forming stem and progenitor cells.
Zhou and colleagues found that these immature cells had higher glycolytic activity, lactate levels and histone lactylation than erythroid progenitors. Integrated analyses linked lactylation to more accessible chromatin and increased gene expression.
Functional experiments outside the body and in animal models showed that elevated lactylation delayed erythroid differentiation while extending the progenitor state and enhancing erythroid expansion. It also supported stem-cell maintenance and blood-system reconstitution after experimental transplantation.
The proposed mechanism involves FLI1 and cell-cycle regulators that slow progression through the cell cycle. Delayed differentiation and expanded progenitor populations are distinct outcomes; more rapid production of mature red blood cells should not be assumed.
The work may inform optimization of stem-cell culture, but it does not establish a clinical therapy or justify taking lactate supplements. The authors report no competing interests. This peer-reviewed accepted article remains subject to editorial changes.
Source: Zhou et al., Nature Communications, October 31, 2026.